What You Need to Know to Participate
This document provides information to help you decide whether to join this research study. It is important you understand the responsibilities, risks and benefits of participating.
Summary Information to Help you Decide Whether to Join this Study
INFORMED CONSENT DOCUMENT AGREEMENT TO BE IN A RESEARCH STUDY
| Study Title | Rise & Shine: Morning Sunlight for Mental Clarity |
|---|---|
| Study Author | Darci LG |
| Sponsor | This study is made possible by your payment to join. |
| Cost of Products, Services & Information to Participant | $0 (one-time payment; you may have already paid for some or all of this amount) |
| Included Products & Services | Efforia platform access, study reminders, outcome reports, and survey access |
| Outcome Measures | NIH Toolbox® Item Bank v3.0 – Positive Affect Survey (Ages 18+); Personal Feelings Survey |
| Contact | help@efforia.com |
👍 The table above provides a summary. You may sign now and continue, or read more detail below.
Introduction & Summary
Welcome, and thank you for considering joining this Efforia citizen science research study, Rise & Shine: Morning Sunlight for Mental Clarity. This study investigates whether daily morning sunlight exposure can support improved mental clarity, mood, and stress management.
Your participation is voluntary. You may choose not to join, or you may leave at any time without penalty. This form is designed to give you the information you need to decide whether this study is right for you.
We strongly encourage you to ask questions and ensure you fully understand the study before making your decision.
Purpose of the Study
This study seeks to investigate the impact of direct morning sunlight exposure on mental health. Research suggests that natural light exposure may help regulate mood and stress.
- Products/Services Used: No physical products or supplements are required. Participation involves daily morning sunlight exposure and completing digital surveys.
- Outcome Measures:
- NIH Toolbox® Item Bank v3.0 – Positive Affect Survey (Ages 18+) — a validated survey assessing mood and affect.
- Personal Feelings Survey — a short self-reflection survey to measure changes in mood and clarity.
- Definition of the Treatment: Participants spend 15 minutes in direct sunlight within 30 minutes of waking, daily for 30 days.
By participating, you contribute valuable data about natural approaches to supporting mental health.
What You Will Do as Part of this Study
"While participating in this research study, you will need to:
- Be willing and able to follow the study directions and procedures
- Tell Efforia about any side effects or problems by communicating with help@efforia.com or online chat.
- Ask questions as you think of them, via help@efforia.com or online chat.
- Inform Efforia if you change your mind about staying in the study. You may leave the study at any time by communicating with help@efforia.com or chat."
Once you complete enrollment and provide your contact preferences, you will:
- Receive study instructions and reminders (via email, SMS, or app notifications).
- Spend 15 minutes outdoors in sunlight within the first 30 minutes of waking, daily for 30 days.
- Complete surveys at baseline, midpoint, and end of study.
- Optionally, link your calendar (Google Calendar, Todoist) to help track your routine.
The Risks, Discomforts & Benefits of Being in this Study
Although this study involves minimal risk, some potential risks and benefits should be considered.
Possible Serious Adverse Events & Side Effects
| Risk Name | Risk Likelihood | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Sunburn | Low | Excessive sunlight exposure can cause skin irritation or burns. |
| Eye strain or discomfort | Low | Looking directly at the sun may cause discomfort; avoid direct gaze. |
| Heat exposure | Low | Prolonged outdoor time in hot climates may cause overheating. |
Some People May be at Increased Risk
Some individuals may be at increased risk from this study and should not join without consulting a healthcare professional.
| Who | Why |
|---|---|
| Pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding | Heat exposure and sun overexposure may increase risks during pregnancy or lactation. |
| People with skin conditions (e.g., lupus, skin cancer history) | Sunlight may worsen symptoms or increase health risks. |
| People taking photosensitizing medications | Some medications increase sensitivity to sunlight and skin damage risk. |
Consider your Own Risk-Benefit Comfort Level
It is possible that not all risks and benefits are currently known. Participants have the responsibility to consult with their healthcare providers and conduct further research before enrolling in the study.
Privacy & Security Risks
We are committed to keeping your information private and confidential, but no system is completely risk-free.
- Regulators (such as the FDA) or the IRB may review your records.
- If Efforia believes you may be a danger to yourself or others, we may contact local authorities or crisis support services.
Full privacy policy: https://efforia.com/privacy-policy/
The Possible Benefits of Participating — Personal and Overall Findings
- You will receive personal outcome reports during and after the study.
- Efforia will share overall study findings once available.
- You may learn whether morning sunlight helps your mental clarity, mood, and stress.
There is a possibility of no measurable benefit to you.
What to do if you have a study related injury
If you believe you are injured, seek local medical care immediately. Efforia cannot provide emergency care. After receiving treatment, please notify us at help@efforia.com so we can track and report the event.
Study related injury care and compensation
Efforia is not able to offer financial compensation nor to absorb the costs of medical treatment should you be injured as a result of participating in this research. Efforia makes no commitment to provide free medical care or payment for any unfavorable outcomes resulting from participation in this research.
In the case of medical emergency
Call 911 immediately. If you feel you are a danger to yourself or others, dial 988 for the Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Alternatives to Participating in the Study
Your only alternative is not to join. If this study is not right for you, Efforia offers other studies at different price points (including free). Click the Efforia logo to explore options.
Your Rights as a Participant
- Your participation is voluntary. Refusing will not affect your care or benefits.
- You may withdraw at any time without penalty.
- If new information arises that may affect your willingness to participate, you will be informed.
Your participation in this research study is voluntary. Refusing to participate will not alter your usual health care or involve any penalty or loss of benefits to which you are entitled. If you decide to join the study, you may withdraw at any time and for any reason without penalty or loss of benefits.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Your personal information will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by law.
The researchers will only use and share information that is needed for the study.
Researchers will protect your information, as required by law. Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed because people outside the study team may need to look at your study records.
Efforia Institutional Review Board may review your study records, and other agencies, committees, and offices that review and monitor research studies. The purpose of using and sharing your information is to make sure the study is done properly.
Signing this consent form, you are giving permission for Efforia to use and share your health information. If you decide not to sign the form, you cannot be in the study.
Right to Your Own Results
You will receive your study results, including explanations of findings.
If information generated from this study is published or presented, your identity will not be revealed. In the event new information becomes available that may affect the risk or benefit associated with this study or your willingness to participate in it, you will be notified so that you can decide whether or not to continue participating.
The Right to Leave without Penalty
You may leave at any time via your profile page. Refunds may apply to unshipped consumables or returned non-consumables per policy.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Efforia serves solely as the platform provider and does not sponsor or influence the study outcomes.
Efforia earns only a transaction fee for platform services. We will not remarket or pressure you to join.
How we Reduce Conflicts of Interest
You should not join if you have a financial relationship with products, services, or measurement providers used in the trial.
Consequences of Conflict of Interest Non-Compliance
Violating this may result in suspension from Efforia without refund.
By joining this trial, you affirm that you understand the above conflict of interest restrictions and agree to comply fully with them. Your participation is valued, and your adherence to these guidelines ensures the validity and reliability of our collective scientific efforts.
Data Protections
Efforia complies with applicable privacy laws.
What you can do to improve your privacy and security?
Protect your phone and email with strong passwords and avoid sharing accounts.
Who will have access to your data?
Efforia and approved research partners (e.g., survey providers) may access your anonymized data.
What will we do with your data?
We will use your data to generate your results and group-level outcomes. We will not share personally identifying information without your permission.
California Experiential Research Subject’s Bill of Rights
You are entitled to the protections outlined in the California Bill of Rights. Read Efforia’s Privacy Policy here: https://efforia.com/privacy-policy/
Questions or Concerns
This study has been reviewed by the Efforia Institutional Review Board (IRB), a group of independent experts who help protect the rights, safety, and well-being of research participants.
If you have questions about your rights as a participant, or would like to speak with someone outside the research team, you can contact the IRB at ethics@efforia.com
Additional questions and closing
Efforia has approved the information in this consent form and have given approval to publish this study. This does not mean Efforia has approved or endorses you being in the study. You must consider the information in this consent form and do additional research based on your own situation for yourself and decide if you want to and are appropriate for this study.
If you have questions, please contact help@efforia.com. It is up to you to do additional research and talk to your physician before joining a study.