Promising sleep improvement, reduction of depressive complaints and evidence-based future perspectives
On May 16, 2025, Propeaq was prominently present at the RadboudUMC Parkinson Symposium in Den Bosch, an important meeting where scientists, doctors, caregivers and patients come together to share the latest developments in Parkinson's disease. During this event, RadboudUMC presented its first findings on the use of blue light therapy in Parkinson's patients, a topic that has the potential to improve the quality of life of patients, under the question Hype of Hope.
Light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian (24-hour) rhythm, the biological clock that determines our sleep-wake cycle. In Parkinson's, this rhythm is often disrupted, leading to serious sleep disorders and a reduced mood. Nurse (np) Toine Schoutens of Propeaq explained during the information market how Propeaq is committed to using blue light to tackle these problems. Together with the Radboud UMC, they investigated the effects of the Propeaq light therapy glasses, a portable light therapy lamp that specifically emits monochromatic blue light. The Propeaq light glasses have an intensity of 250 M-EDI, which is comparable to 10,000 lux white light.
The results of the first phase of this study, published in 2019 in the journal Hindawi Parkinson's Disease , were promising. For example, 58 Parkinson's patients wore the light glasses for at least a week and a whopping 74% of them reported improvements in nighttime sleep, reductions in daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms, and improved motor function. Many of these patients indicated that the light glasses were a useful tool that continued to support their daily functioning. The fact that patients were happy to continue using the light glasses underscores the acceptance and potential feasibility for clinical applications.
What makes these results particularly promising is that a non-invasive, safe form of light therapy can have positive effects on non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. The results give great confidence that 2 x 60 minutes of blue light per day is an effective and safe method to address sleep and mood disorders and can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. This method is part of Chrono Coaching. The research into the effects on motor and non-motor symptoms is currently ongoing, and the results of the second randomized controlled trial (RCT) are expected in the summer of 2025.
The symposium also provided a clear insight into the complexity of Parkinson's. The disease, which causes both motor and non-motor symptoms, is mainly associated with tremors and stiffness. But the non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disorders and mood problems, affect a large proportion of patients and significantly reduce their quality of life.
The disturbed sleep-wake rhythm plays an important role in this. Napping during the day and sleeping poorly at night are common complaints that worsen the symptoms and limit functioning. Traditional treatments such as sleeping medication often have side effects and do not always appear to be effective. Blue light therapy offers a promising alternative here. It helps to restore the sleep-wake rhythm by supporting the natural 24-hour rhythm, allowing patients to sleep better and stay more 'in tune' with their biological clock.
The innovative approach of Propeaq and the researchers of RadboudUMC underlines the power of technological and medical collaboration. During the symposium there was a lot of interest from caregivers and patients who were curious about the practical application of the light glasses. Instructions for use make it clear that blue light therapy is a safe and easy to use tool that can significantly improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's.
By attending and presenting at the symposium, Propeaq emphasized its leading role in this promising innovative treatment. With ongoing studies and new clinical data, the potential of blue light in Parkinson’s is becoming increasingly clear. This makes companies like Propeaq not only invest in technology, but also in hope and better future prospects for patients worldwide.
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