Análisis del uso de iluminación circadiana como estrategia de apoyo para atenuar los problemas de insomnio
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Date
2026-04-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana UNITEC
Abstract
Un enfoque no farmacológico para mejorar la calidad de sueño resulta fundamental ante la alta prevalencia de insomnio y la inadecuada higiene del sueño en personas de diversas edades.
Este estudio analizó el uso de iluminación circadiana como estrategia de apoyo para mitigar los problemas del insomnio. Las pruebas se llevaron a cabo con dos grupos de estudiantes universitarios de UNITEC San Pedro Sula: el grupo control, conformado por individuos sin problemas para dormir, y el grupo con síntomas de insomnio, integrado por individuos con problemas para dormir.
Se monitoreó a los estudiantes llevando un diario del sueño y registrando las fases del sueño mediante el uso de un reloj inteligente al momento de dormir durante tres etapas: pre-exposición, durante la exposición y post-exposición a la iluminación circadiana.
Los resultados mostraron que, durante la semana de exposición a la iluminación circadiana, el 100% de los participantes del grupo con síntomas de insomnio experimentaron una mejora en la duración del sueño profundo, una fase esencial para la restauración física, la consolidación de la memoria y la regulación del sistema inmunológico.
Además, el 83.3% mejoró su tiempo promedio en la fase REM y el tiempo total de sueño (TTS). En el grupo control, el 83.3% también mostró una mejora en la duración del sueño REM durante el periodo de exposición; sin embargo, solo el 16.7% aumentó el tiempo de sueño profundo y el 50% mejoró su TTS.
Adicionalmente, los participantes de ambos grupos reportaron una disminución en el número de despertares nocturnos y una mejor percepción al despertar, manifestada en una mayor sensación de energía y relajación al inicio del día.
A non-pharmacological approach to improving sleep quality is essential given the high prevalence of insomnia and inadequate sleep hygiene across various age groups. This study analyzed the use of circadian lighting as a supportive strategy to mitigate insomnia-related issues. The tests were conducted with two groups of university students from UNITEC San Pedro Sula: the control group, composed of individuals without sleep problems, and the group with insomnia symptoms, consisting of individuals experiencing sleep difficulties. The students were monitored by keeping a sleep diary and recording their sleep phases using a smartwatch during three stages: pre-exposure, during exposure, and post-exposure to circadian lighting. The results showed that during the week of circadian lighting exposure, 100% of the participants in the group with insomnia symptoms experienced an improvement in deep sleep duration—an essential phase for physical restoration, memory consolidation, and immune system regulation. Additionally, 83.3% improved their average time in the REM phase and their total sleep time (TST). In the control group, 83.3% also showed improvement in REM sleep duration during the exposure period; however, only 16.7% increased their deep sleep time, and 50% improved their TST. Furthermore, participants in both groups reported a reduction in the number of nocturnal awakenings and an improved perception upon waking, characterized by greater feelings of energy and relaxation at the start of the day.
A non-pharmacological approach to improving sleep quality is essential given the high prevalence of insomnia and inadequate sleep hygiene across various age groups. This study analyzed the use of circadian lighting as a supportive strategy to mitigate insomnia-related issues. The tests were conducted with two groups of university students from UNITEC San Pedro Sula: the control group, composed of individuals without sleep problems, and the group with insomnia symptoms, consisting of individuals experiencing sleep difficulties. The students were monitored by keeping a sleep diary and recording their sleep phases using a smartwatch during three stages: pre-exposure, during exposure, and post-exposure to circadian lighting. The results showed that during the week of circadian lighting exposure, 100% of the participants in the group with insomnia symptoms experienced an improvement in deep sleep duration—an essential phase for physical restoration, memory consolidation, and immune system regulation. Additionally, 83.3% improved their average time in the REM phase and their total sleep time (TST). In the control group, 83.3% also showed improvement in REM sleep duration during the exposure period; however, only 16.7% increased their deep sleep time, and 50% improved their TST. Furthermore, participants in both groups reported a reduction in the number of nocturnal awakenings and an improved perception upon waking, characterized by greater feelings of energy and relaxation at the start of the day.
Keywords
Tratamiento, Calidad de sueño, Insomnio, Iluminación Circadiana