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Modifying the Sleep Treatment Education Program for Students to include technology use (STEPS-TECH): Intervention
Larissa K Barber1, Maria S Cucalon2
1Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA.
Summary
A new Sleep Treatment Education Program for Students-Technology (STEPS-TECH) improved objective sleep quantity and quality in university students. The intervention reduced technology use during sleep periods, offering a potential solution for student sleep issues.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Science
- Behavioral Psychology
- Educational Interventions
Background:
- University students frequently experience sleep disturbances linked to poor sleep hygiene and technology habits.
- Existing sleep hygiene education often overlooks the impact of technology use on sleep.
- Addressing technology's role in sleep is crucial for student well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Sleep Treatment Education Program for Students-Technology (STEPS-TECH) in enhancing sleep outcomes among university students.
- To determine if STEPS-TECH improves both subjective and objective sleep measures.
- To investigate the impact of the intervention on technology use behaviors during sleep periods.
Main Methods:
- An experimental study involving 78 university students was conducted.
- Participants were assigned to either the STEPS-TECH intervention group or a control group.
- Objective sleep indicators (total sleep time, awakenings) and subjective sleep quality/quantity were assessed.
Main Results:
- The STEPS-TECH group demonstrated significant improvements in objective sleep quantity (total sleep time) and quality (reduced awakenings) compared to the control group.
- These improvements were particularly noted on weekend days immediately following the intervention.
- No significant differences were found in subjective sleep quality or quantity between the groups.
- The intervention group reported reduced technology use during sleep periods, though pre-bedtime behaviors did not differ.
Conclusions:
- The STEPS-TECH intervention shows promise for improving objective sleep parameters in university students.
- Reducing technology use during sleep periods appears to be a key mechanism of the intervention's effect.
- STEPS-TECH may serve as a valuable educational tool to enhance student sleep and mitigate technology-related sleep disruptions.
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