Impact of Morning Light Therapy in IBD

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with ulcerative colitis and signs of inflammation (Fecal calprotectin >150 mcg/g and/or CRP >5)

Exclusion criteria

• Known pregnancy or currently lactating women
• Current malignancy or active treatment for previously diagnosed malignancy. Patients with squamous and basal cell cancer of the skin are eligible for the study.
• Serious co-morbidity including: Immunodeficiency, recent myocardial infarction or stroke, history of renal or hepatic failure, infection such as abscess, opportunistic infection, or sepsis.
• Patients with pacemaker or defibrillators
• The use of medications known to affect autonomic nervous system function, including but not limited to beta-blockers and benzodiazepines.
• Comprehension of the English language not adequate to understand the questionnaires
• Recent changes in IBD directed therapies within the last 3 months
• Regular use of antidiarrheal agents.
• Regular use of medications that have been shown to impair sleep (e.g. steroids, stimulants). If willing (and medically appropriate) to washout for 4 weeks, participant can be then enrolled in the study
• Regular use of sleep medications including but not limited to: benzodiazepine hypnotics, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, antipsychotics, and melatonin. If willing (and medically appropriate) to washout for 4 weeks, participant can be then enrolled in the study
• Patients with prior colectomy or total proctocolectomy
• History of any surgery within 3 months
• Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Blindness or severely impaired, uncorrected vision
• Employment which includes nocturnal shift work
• Traveling multiple time zones within the study time frame
• Any marijuana or illicit drugs use within one month of enrollment or ongoing basis