Light Exposure, Migraine Outcomes, and Sleep Quality

Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder that significantly reduces quality of life and daily functioning. Photophobia, or heightened sensitivity to light, is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by individuals with migraine and is frequently reported as a trigger or exacerbating factor for migraine attacks. Additionally, sleep disturbances are commonly associated with migraine and may both contribute to and result from migraine episodes. Despite growing evidence linking light exposure, sleep quality, and migraine characteristics, the role of daily light exposure characteristics in triggering migraine attacks remains poorly understood.

Previous research has largely focused on controlled laboratory studies examining the effects of specific light spectra or intensities during migraine attacks. However, little is known about how individuals with migraine experience and interact with light throughout their daily lives, or how these real-world exposure patterns relate to sleep quality and migraine onset, frequency, and severity.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between daily light exposure patterns, sleep quality, and migraine characteristics in adults with migraine, with and without photophobia, across an 8-week study period. The first 4 weeks will serve as a baseline observational period in which participants' daily light exposure behaviors, sleep patterns, and migraine characteristics are monitored. The second four weeks will include the introduction of an interventional lighting condition, optimized for those in migraine based on our previous in-laboratory experiment, on the same outcomes (migraine characteristics and sleep).

Using wearable light exposure sensors, actigraphy devices, and daily self-reported measures, this study aims to capture real-world lighting behaviors and objectively assess sleep quality while evaluating whether the introduction of an optimized lighting condition is associated with changes in migraine symptoms and sleep outcomes.

The specific aims of this study are to:

• Characterize daily light exposure patterns, including intensity, spectrum, duration, and related behavioral patterns, in adults with migraine with and without photophobia.
• Examine associations between daily light exposure characteristics and migraine attack onset, frequency, and intensity.
• Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an optimized lighting condition on migraine frequency, migraine characteristics, and sleep quality.

Inclusion criteria

• Meet the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (2018) criteria for migraine, with or without aura or photosensitivity
• Report experiencing more than 4 headache days per month and at least three migraine attacks per month
• No other major health issues based on self-reported data
• Able to read and communicate in English
• Work in a private office space for at least six hours per day, four days per week

Exclusion criteria

• Light therapy
• Use light-altering devices (e.g., blue-blocking contact lenses or glasses)
• Traveling out of town during the participation