A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive blue-blocking glasses for the treatment of sleep and circadian rhythm in patients with bipolar disorder

Objectives: Recent studies have suggested that evening blue light exposure is associated with sleep and circadian rhythm abnormalities. This study examined the effect of blue-blocking (BB) glasses on sleep and circadian rhythm in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Methods: We used a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded design. Outpatients with BD and also with insomnia were randomly assigned to wear either orange glasses (BB) or clear ones (placebo) and were instructed to use these from 20:00 hours until bedtime for 2 weeks. The primary outcome metric was the difference in change from baseline to after intervention in sleep quality, as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Forty-three patients were included in this study (BB group, 21; placebo group, 22). The change in sleep quality as per the VAS metric was not significantly different between the two groups (95% confidence interval [CI], −3.34 to 24.72; P =.13). However, the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire score had shifted to an advanced rhythm in the BB group and to a delayed rhythm in the placebo group, and the difference in these changes was statistically significant (95% CI, 1.69-7.45; P =.003). The change in the actigraphy sleep parameters and mood symptoms was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Although concurrent medications may have influenced, our results suggest that BB glasses may be useful as an adjunctive treatment for circadian rhythm issues in patients with BD.