Bright Light Therapy for Sleep Disturbance in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Sleep disturbance is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and contributes to diminished quality of life. Bright light therapy may be an innovative strategy to reduce sleep disturbance in MS, possibly through its effects on a subtype of retinal ganglion cells that help regulate circadian rhythms and sleep. This pilot study will evaluate whether, in people with MS, bright light therapy reduces sleep disturbance and explore whether light therapy improves function of these cells.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of MS * Evidence of sleep disturbance * Stable on immunomodulatory MS therapy or no therapy for at least 6 months prior to study initiation * Stable on antidepressants for at least 3 months prior to study initiation and no evidence * Stable on fatigue medication for at least 3 months prior to study initiation * Willing and able to provide informed consent and follow study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of cognitive impairment * Low risk for sleep disordered breathing * Other comorbid ophthalmologic disorders (e.g. cataracts, glaucoma, blindness) * Traveled across two time zones within 90 days of study screening. * Not participating in shift work * MS relapse or history of acute optic neuritis within 30 days * No prior history of bipolar disorder * No evidence of current depression * Diagnosis of severe periodic limb movement disorder or severe restless legs syndrome