Sleep Board Review Test 1

22. Bright light therapy for the treatment of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome is recommended during the hours of:

a. 4 AM to 8 AM

b. 6 AM to 9 AM

c. 8 AM to 12 PM

d. 4 PM to 8 PM

e. 6 PM to 9 PM

Answer: b, 6 AM to 9AM

Light administered after the core body temperature minimum will lead to a phase advance, while light administered before the core body temperature minimum will lead to a phase delay. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine in the 1999 Practice Parameters on the use of Bright Light Therapy recommend treatment of DSPS with light therapy between 6 AM and 9 AM. However, some patients with DSPS may have a core body temperature minimum during or after these hours and light therapy may lead to a paradoxical phase delay. If this is the case, later light therapy may be required.

Reference:

Chesson AL et al for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Practice Parameters for the Use of Light Therapy in the Treatment of Sleep Disorders. Sleep 1999;22:641-660.

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