Predictors of Intervention Interest Among Individuals With Short Sleep Duration

Abstract

Study Objectives: Over one-third of the United States population sleeps less than the recommended 7 hours a night, which increases risk for chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of sleep extension interventions and preferences in sleep extension interventions among adults with short sleep duration. Methods: Participants aged 18 to 65 years with self-reported sleep duration ≤ 6.5 hours completed an online survey including reported sleep behaviors, barriers to adequate sleep, interest in sleep extension interventions, and a sleep disturbance questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square and binary logistic regression. Results: Participants (n = 92; 61 females; mean age = 45.6 years, standard deviation = 13.5) reported an average sleep duration of 5:49 (standard deviation = 0: 49). More than half of the participants reported current health comorbidities (64%), including insomnia (n = 12, 13%) and sleep apnea (n = 9, 10%). Many participants (38%) reported sleep disturbance. The most common barrier to adequate sleep included insomnia or other sleep problems (55%). Most respondents (84%) indicated an interest in increasing sleep duration. Of the treatment options suggested, most (84% of those interested) were interested in a wrist-worn device. Participants with insomnia or other sleep disorders were more likely to be interested in extending sleep, (χ 2 = 12.86, P < .001) and in a wrist-worn device (χ 2 = 5.24, P = .022). Higher Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbance t scores were also associated with interest in monitoring sleep with a wrist-worn device (b = .18, P < .001). Conclusions: Sleep extension interventions using wearable technology are attractive to individuals with short sleep duration, particularly those with greater sleep disturbance and comorbid sleep disorders.

Insomnia

“…When wearable devices were self-selectively used, as opposed to randomly assigned, wearable device users had more severe insomnia symptoms at baseline and posttreatment than nonusers 8 . These results dovetail with findings that indicate that sleep-tracking devices are more desirable among individuals with short sleep duration, greater sleep disturbances, and comorbid sleep disorders 78 . Since consumer sleep-tracking devices are advertised as tools to improve sleep, limited data on the efficacy of these programs highlight a potential mismatch between the user’s desire for improved sleep and the device’s ability to improve sleep.…”

“…8 These results dovetail with findings that indicate that sleep-tracking devices are more desirable among individuals with short sleep duration, greater sleep disturbances, and comorbid sleep disorders. 78 Since consumer sleep-tracking devices are advertised as tools to improve sleep, limited data on the efficacy of these programs highlight a potential mismatch between the user's desire for improved sleep and the device's ability to improve sleep. Nevertheless, as technology improves and more validation data become available, consumer sleep technologies may play a larger role in clinical settings.…”

Sleep Technology Intervention to Target Cardiometabolic Health (STITCH): a randomized controlled study of a behavioral sleep extension intervention compared to an education control to improve sleep duration, blood pressure, and cardiometabolic health among adults with elevated blood pressure/hypertension

“…The main feature of our intervention is the use of coaching combined with wearable technology to motivate behavior change. In our previous research, the use of consumer sleep technology was rated as highly desirable to individuals with short sleep duration and, in our intervention development, was rated as the most enjoyable aspect of the study [ 42 , 43 ]. The addition of the coach is a critical aspect of this treatment.…”

Wrist Wearables: More Questions than Answers?

“…"Predictors of intervention interest among individuals with short sleep duration" by Adkins et al moves us in the right direction without being overly ambitious. 2 Adkins evaluated short sleepers for their preferred method of sleep extension. Comparing a digital wrist wearable to telephonic or face-to-face care they found that short sleepers, particularly those self-identified as having a sleep disorder, preferred a wrist wearable.…”

“…Comparing a digital wrist wearable to telephonic or face-to-face care they found that short sleepers, particularly those self-identified as having a sleep disorder, preferred a wrist wearable. 2 Increased self-monitoring with sleep apps comes with the expectation that clinicians can manage their clinical use. 3,4 Because sleep app users tend to be healthy and have more income, expectations are high.…”