DELIGHT V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
DElirium and LIGHT: Exploring modifiable risk factors of delirium - A Pilot study
IRAS ID
367559
Contact name
Carly Welch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 29 days
Research summary
Delirium is a severe confusion that effects people who are unwell. It is common in critical care and can lead to longer hospital stays, higher risk of death, and longterm problems with memory and thinking. There are no treatments for delirium, and the reasons why it happens are not fully understood. One possible factor is disruption of the body’s natural day-night cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. This can occur in hospital because patients are exposed to artificial light and noise and have disturbed sleep.
This study, called DELIGHT-P, will explore whether changes in light exposure and circadian rhythm are linked to delirium in critically ill patients. Understanding this could help improve care and reduce the risk of delirium. The study will also look at blood markers that might show changes in the brain or body clock and assess memory and thinking after patients leave critical care.
We will invite adults aged 50 and over who are admitted to critical care at King’s College Hospital and are expected to stay for more than 36 hours. About 10 people will take part in this pilot study. While in critical care, we will measure light levels near the patient’s bed, check for signs of delirium, and take blood samples to look for markers of circadian rhythm and brain injury. After discharge, participants will be followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months to assess memory, mood and quality of life.
This is an observational study, meaning we will not change the patient’s usual care. The aim is to see if this research is feasible and to gather early information that could lead to a larger study in the future. The study is funded by King’s Health Partners and will take place at King’s College Hospital.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0128
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion