SynthesisFrontiers in neurology2026
Bright light therapy for post-stroke sleep disturbances: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Frontiers in neurology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
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Abstract
Objective: Sleep disturbances are common after stroke and may adversely affect neurological recovery. Although post-stroke sleep disturbances encompass insomnia symptoms, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disturbances, and sleep-disordered breathing, research has focused predominantly on obstructive sleep apnea. This review evaluated the effects of bright light therapy (BLT), a non-pharmacological intervention that may influence circadian regulation, on sleep outcomes after stroke. Methods: Ten electronic databases covering English-and Chinese-language literature were searched from inception to April 9, 2026. Randomized controlled trials involving adults with stroke that evaluated validated subjective or objective sleep outcomes were eligible. Data were pooled using random-effects models when studies were sufficiently comparable clinically and methodologically. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. The primary outcomes were wake after sleep onset (WASO) and subjective sleep quality. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251111617). Results: Five randomized controlled trials involving 343 participants were included. Three trials involving 181 participants contributed to the WASO analysis; the pooled estimate was not statistically significant (MD = -39.17 min, 95% CI -115.34 to 36.99; P = 0.31), and heterogeneity was substantial (I Conclusion: BLT may improve subjective sleep quality after stroke; however, evidence for objective sleep continuity remains uncertain because of the small evidence base and substantial heterogeneity. Larger, methodologically rigorous trials using standardized light parameters, standardized outcome measures, and direct circadian assessments are needed to clarify the clinical effects of BLT and identify optimal treatment protocols. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251111617, identifier CRD420251111617.
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