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Development and evaluation of the Sleep Treatment and Education Program for Students (STEPS)
Franklin C Brown1, Walter C Buboltz, Barlow Soper
1Department of Psychology, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic 06066, USA. brownf@easternct.edu
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|February 3, 2006
Summary
University students experience poor sleep quality, impacting health and academics. A new psychoeducational program, the Sleep Treatment and Education Program for Students (STEPS), significantly improved sleep quality and hygiene behaviors in a recent study.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
- Student Health
Background:
- University students exhibit poorer sleep quality compared to the general population.
- Sleep disturbances in students correlate with adverse health outcomes, mood disturbances, fatigue, cognitive deficits, and diminished academic performance.
- Psychoeducational interventions are recognized as effective for enhancing sleep quality in the general population, yet specific research for students is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the Sleep Treatment and Education Program for Students (STEPS).
- To evaluate the effectiveness of STEPS in improving sleep quality and sleep hygiene among university students using a rigorous experimental design.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Sleep Treatment and Education Program for Students (STEPS).
- Implementation of a double-blind, experimental study to assess STEPS' efficacy.
- Assessment of sleep quality and sleep hygiene behaviors at a 6-week post-treatment follow-up.
Main Results:
- Students participating in the STEPS program demonstrated statistically significant improvements in sleep quality.
- The treatment group also showed significant enhancements in sleep hygiene behaviors.
- These positive effects were observed at the 6-week post-treatment assessment.
Conclusions:
- The developed Sleep Treatment and Education Program for Students (STEPS) is effective in improving sleep quality and hygiene among university students.
- Psychoeducational interventions represent a viable and effective strategy for addressing sleep problems in student populations.
- Further research and implementation of STEPS could benefit student well-being and academic success.
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