Light Exposure + Caloric Restriction for Fatigue

(LHops26 Trial)

EE
NG
Overseen ByNicholas G Bathurst, MA
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the present study is to test novel countermeasures to reduce fatigue among airline pilots during long-haul flight operations. The investigators will collect objective and subjective sleep, sleepiness, workload, and performance data from active-duty line pilots flying long-haul flight operations (\>8 hours). Data will be collected during days off prior to the trip start, during flights and layover, and during days off following the trip end.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for active airline pilots who fly long-haul flights lasting over 8 hours. Participants must be currently working as line pilots and able to take part in all study activities before, during, and after their trips.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a medically qualified, active-duty pilot flying overnight long-haul flights.
Participants must be line pilots that spend at least 50% of their typical monthly schedule flying long-haul operations (flights over eight hours duration)

Exclusion Criteria

Pilots with metabolic disorders such as diabetes
I am a pilot currently trying to lose weight or taking GLP-1 injections.
Pilots who indicate sensitivity to light
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline Data Collection

Participants collect baseline data for one trip with no intervention, including wearing activity and glucose monitors and logging sleep, food intake, and exercise.

3 days
Remote data collection

Intervention

Participants are randomized to either the intervention or control group. The intervention involves calorie restriction and blue-enriched light exposure during flights.

2 long-haul trips
Remote data collection during flights

Follow-up

Participants complete a follow-up survey/debrief about their experience 1-3 months following their participation.

1-3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Caloric restriction
  • Light exposure

Trial Overview

The study is testing whether exposure to light and limiting calorie intake (caloric restriction) can help reduce fatigue in pilots during long-haul flights. Researchers will monitor sleep patterns, alertness, workload, and performance throughout the trip.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Intervention (caloric restriction and light intervention)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Lead Sponsor

Trials
32
Recruited
1,900+

Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Collaborator

Trials
4
Recruited
340+

Washington State University

Collaborator

Trials
114
Recruited
58,800+