A cancer center in Philadelphia is launching a clinical trial using light therapy to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and improve smoking cessation rates, according to an article in PhillyBlurbs.com March 5, 2010.

Light therapy has been found to effectively treat people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which causes feelings of depression, by altering their circadian rhythm and restoring health levels of melatonin. Melatonin regulates your sleep and wake cycles.

According to the article, because previous research has shown that smokers have disrupted levels of melatonin and they often suffer from depression during withdrawal, Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers believe light therapy could also help smokers quit more easily.

The clinical trial will require participants to sit in front of a lightbox for 45 minutes for day for weeks, beginning one week before they stop smoking, continuing for four weeks after they quit.

Participants will also receive in-person and phone counseling.

The study, funded through a grant from Pfizer, will last through the end of year.

Light therapy is used to treat problems including depression, poor sleep cycles and difficulty concentrating.