Effects of a light therapy intervention on diurnal salivary cortisol in fatigued cancer survivors: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

摘要

Objective: Altered diurnal cortisol rhythms are a potential mechanism through which symptoms of fatigue are maintained in post-treatment cancer survivors. Exposure to early morning bright light may target this underlying dysregulation, resulting in improved diurnal cortisol patterns, subsequently improving symptoms of fatigue. This research investigates the effects of a 4-week light therapy intervention on the diurnal cortisol slopes and output in fatigued cancer survivors.