Overview
This is a randomized placebo-controlled trial to examine the efficacy of two-week bright light therapy for patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue.
Description
This randomized placebo-controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of BLT in reducing fatigue symptoms after COVID-19 infection. The second aim of the study is to explore the effects of BLT on insomnia, depression and anxiety symptoms.
Method: Each eligible participant will be randomized to either i) bright light therapy (BLT) or ii) dim red light (placebo) treatment for 30-minutes daily at their habitual wake time for a total of two weeks. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, 2nd (end of treatment), and 4th week (post-treatment 2-week) for fatigue and other symptoms.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 or above
- Capable to give informed consent
- COVID-19 infection confirmed by PCR test or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) with onset of at least three months
- Reports new onset or exacerbation of fatigue after onset of COVID-19 and lasted for over two months
- Scoring 7 or above for the item "worst level of fatigue during the last 24 hours" in the Brief Fatigue Inventory
Exclusion Criteria:
- A current or past history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorder, organic mental disorder; intellectual disabilities or substance use disorder.
- Presence of contraindications to bright light therapy: for example, history of light induced migraine/ epilepsy; current use of photosensitizing medications; presence of eye disease: e.g. retinal blindness, severe cataract, glaucoma.
- Significant medical condition/ hearing impairment/ speech deficit leading to incapability of completing clinical interview.
- Regular shift-workers
- Trans-meridian flight in the past 3 months and during the study
- Currently receiving any structured psychotherapy
- Self-reported untreated sleep disorders (e.g. severe insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome), psychiatric illness (e.g. depression), or medical conditions associated with fatigue (e.g. anemia, heart failure, autoimmune disorders)
- Enrolment in another clinical trial of an investigational medicinal product or device.