A feasibility study to understand the components of behavioral sleep extension

The goal of this study was to examine the contribution of sleep extension intervention components (wearable sleep tracker and coaching) on sleep extension outcomes.

This study collected open ended qualitative responses of treatment preference, acceptability, and feasibility as a key outcome.

Adults aged 25 to 65 years with sleep duration <7 h and BMI ≥ 25 were randomized into one of four groups: Self-Management (control), Fitbit, Telephone Coaching, or Fitbit + Coaching. Self-report questionnaires and actigraphy were completed at baseline, post-intervention (6 weeks), and 12-weeks. Analyses used mixed models.

Among the 38 adults randomized, the Fitbit + Coaching group had larger but non-significant improvements in sleep duration compared with the self-management group. The coaching group demonstrated significant improvements in sleep-related impairment. All groups demonstrated feasibility and acceptability but the Fitbit + Coaching group reported themes of accountability.

Results suggest that sleep extension interventions are feasible and acceptable but components affect the pattern of sleep and other outcomes.

Sleep extension is feasible and acceptable; the combination of coaching and the wearable device may lead to larger changes in sleep due to enhanced accountability.