The effect of bright white light application on fatigue levels and sleep quality in cancer patients receiving palliative care

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bright white light application on fatigue and sleep quality in cancer patients receiving palliative care. Methods: The study was carried out between November 15, 2018 and November 15, 2019 at the Palliative Care Unit of the Medical Oncology Department of Ege University Medical Faculty Hospital. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 52 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were determined by randomly stratified randomization method, including 26 in the treatment group and 26 in the control group. In the study, bright white light was applied to the treatment group and dim red light was applied to the control group for 30 minutes each morning for 14 days. The research data were collected by face-to-face interview method by the researcher three times, before, 14th day and 28th day of the application of light, "Patient Descriptive Information Form", "Brief Fatigue Inventory", "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index", "Patient Follow-up Form" were used to collect the data. In addition, smart wristbands were used to monitor the sleep process of the patients in the treatment and control groups. In order to carry out the study, written permission was obtained from "Ege University Clinical Research Ethics Committee", the research institution and individuals who participated in the study. Results: In the study, bright white light application significantly reduced fatigue level (25.09%) and fatigue-related daily life activities (26.07%), improved sleep quality (46.31%) and increased total sleep time (15.88%) over time (p<0.05). Dim red light application significantly decreased fatigue level (4.08%) and increased sleep quality (6.69%) in the control group, but this change was lower than the treatment group (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the study, it was concluded that the application of bright white light reduces the fatigue levels and increases sleep quality and sleep duration of cancer patients receiving palliative care. In addition, it was determined that there was no positive or negative late effects of light on fatigue level and sleep quality in the period following bright white light application. It is predicted that the research results will provide an opportunity for symptom management in the nursing care process of cancer patients receiving palliative care and will contribute to the quality of life of patients and their relatives. Keywords: Palliative care, cancer, fatigue, sleep quality, nursing