[Bright light therapy].

Bright light therapy may help realign the sleep-wake cycle in individuals with circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

• Bright light is a recognized treatment for seasonal affective disorder.
• Other possible uses include treatment for sleep disorders linked to circadian misalignment, such as insomnia in the elderly and behavioral disturbances in dementia patients.
• Exposure to bright light at specific times may shift the sleep-wake cycle to better match desired sleep schedules.
• Current evidence supporting the efficacy of bright light therapy for these conditions is limited.
• Further research is necessary to establish guidelines for safe and effective timing of bright light exposure.

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