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Chronic Insomnia / Insomnia Disorder

Bright Light Therapy

Bright light therapy consists of properly timed exposure to bright light to help adjusting the circadian rhythm.1, 2


Bright light therapy timed in the morning after arising can advance or time circadian rhythms earlier and may be indicated for sleep onset insomnia and the more extreme version delayed sleep phase disorder. The delayed or later timed circadian rhythm may be present in evening types which experience difficulty falling asleep at a “normal time”, tend not to feel sleepy until quite late and have great difficulty waking up in the morning - commonly experienced by adolescents and young adults.3


Bright light therapy in the evening before sleep may be indicated for early morning awakening insomnia and the more extreme version advanced sleep phase disorder. The advanced or early timed circadian rhythm may be present in morning types which feel sleepy early in the evening with no difficulty initiating sleep but wake very early in the morning and not being able to resume sleep.4

Abbreviations

AHI - Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index
BBTi - Brief Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia
BMI - Body Mass Index (kg/m2)
BQ - Berlin Questionnaire
CBTi - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia
CELL - Coblation Endoscopic Lingual Lightening
COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
CVA - Cerebrovascular Accident
CPAP - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
CSA - Central Sleep Apnoea
DASS - Depression Anxiety Stress Scale
DBAS - Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep
DBP - Diastolic Blood Pressure
DIMS - Difficulties Initiating and/or Maintaining Sleep
DISE - Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy
DISS - Daytime Insomnia Symptom Scale
ENT - Ear Nose and Throat
ESS - Epworth Sleepiness Scale
FOSQ - Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire
FSH - Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
FTP - Friedman Tong Position
GP - General Practitioner
HANDI - RACGP Handbook of Non-Drug Interventions
HGNS - Hypoglossal Herve Htimulation
ISI - Insomnia Severity Index
K10 - Kessler Psychological Distress Scale
MAD - Mandibular Advancement Device
MAS - Mandibular Advancement Rplint
MBS - Medicare Benefits Schedule
MMA - Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery
MRA - Mandibular Repositioning Appliance
ODI - Oxygenation Desaturation Index
OSA - Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
PLMD - Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
PT - Positional Therapy
PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PSG - Polysomnography
QSQ - Quebec Sleep Questionnaire
REM - Rapid Eye Movement
RFTB - Radiofrequency Thermotherapy of the Tongue Base
SBP - Systolic Blood Pressure
SCI - Sleep Condition Indicator
SE - Sleep Efficiency
SF36 - Short-Form (36) Health Survey
SMILE - Submucosal Minimally Invasive Lingual Excision
SNRIs - Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
SOL - Sleep Onset Latency
SSRI - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
TFTs - Thyroid Function Tests
TIB - Time In Bed
TORS - Transoral Robotic Surgery
TST - Total Sleep Time
UPPP - Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
WASO - Wake After Sleep Onset

Quick links

References

  1. www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/resources/sleep+facts+and+hygiene+insomnia+management+kit
  2. www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/treatment/light-therapy-insomnia-sufferers
  3. Lack L, et al. The Use of Bright Light in the Treatment of Insomnia. Behavioral Treatments for Sleep Disorders. In Practical Resources for the Mental Health Professional. 2011;e39:e1-e6
  4. Lack L, et al. The Use of Bright Light in the Treatment of Insomnia. Behavioral Treatments for Sleep Disorders. In Practical Resources for the Mental Health Professional 2011;e39:e1-e6