Effects of bright light at lunchtime on sleep of patients in a geriatric hospital I

The effects of lunchtime bright light exposure in patients of a geriatric h ospital were investigated. Ten inpatients (six women and four men: mean age +/- SD: 81.2 +/- 8.8 years) with sleep disturbances were studied for 9 wee ks. Nurses performed daily ratings for sleep-wakefulness disturbances. Appr oximately 8000 Ix bright light exposure was performed for 3 weeks in the li ght therapy room. Before and after exposure, ocular function was evaluated. Clinical ratings of sleep wakefulness improved in eight patients. The scor e of difficulty in falling asleep and drowsiness in the morning declined du ring the light exposure. The score of drowsiness in the afternoon decreased during the post-light exposure. Post-exposure ocular disturbances were not found.