Effectiveness of light therapy on sleep quality in shift workers:a systematic review / 中华护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of light therapy on improving sleep quality in shift workers.Methods We searched both Chinese and English language databases to collect randomized controlled trials(RCTs) regarding the effectiveness of light therapy on improving sleep quality in shift workers.The studies were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and were critically appraised by two reviewers.Data of included studies were extracted,and only descriptive analysis was conducted.Results Eleven RCTs were included.The contents of light therapy includedenvironment and tools of light therapy,light intensity,time of illumination,duration of light and frequency of illumination.Conclusion Different light therapy tools had no effects on the sleep quality of shift workers.Light therapy meeting the following conditionslight intensity within the scope of 2 000～10 000 lx,time of illumination during the day or the night,duration of light more than 30 min,frequency of illumination more than 1 week,can have significant effects on sleep quality of shift workers.Further studies should explore the optimal light intensity,the optimal time of illumination,frequency of illuminationfor stable effects,and observation of long-term effects of sleep quality.