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Non-guided, mobile, CBT-I-based sleep intervention in War-torn Ukraine: A feasibility study
Anton Kurapov1,2, Jens Blechert3, Alexandra Hinterberger1
1Laboratory for Sleep, Cognition and Consciousness Research, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria.
Plos One
|May 27, 2025
Summary
A mobile app intervention for sleep problems (Sleep2) showed high feasibility and acceptance among war-affected individuals in Ukraine. Participants experienced significant reductions in sleep issues, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Digital mental health
- Sleep science
- War and trauma studies
Background:
- War conditions significantly impact population-level sleep and mental health.
- The large-scale conflict in Ukraine presents a critical need for accessible mental health support.
- Mobile interventions offer a scalable solution for widespread psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile, unguided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) intervention, Sleep2.
- To assess the potential of Sleep2 to reduce symptoms of mental health and sleep problems in a war-affected population.
- To explore objective and subjective sleep parameters and mental health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A single-arm, open-label, pre-post evaluation study.
- 487 participants registered, with 160 completing the study (56.55%).
- Online questionnaires and ambulatory heart rate (HR) sensors were used for assessments.
Main Results:
- High engagement (80.72% compliance) and acceptance of the Sleep2 app.
- Significant pre-post reductions in sleep problems (22.60%), insomnia (35.08%), fear of sleep (32.43%), anxiety (27.72%), depression (28.67%), PTSD (32.41%), somatic symptoms (24.52%), and stress (17.90%).
- Objective sleep measurements indicated a significant reduction in sleep onset latency.
Conclusions:
- The 'Sleep2Ukraine' program demonstrated high feasibility and acceptance.
- Significant improvements in subjective sleep and mental health were observed.
- Culturally adapted, mobile-based CBT-I interventions show promise for war-affected populations, warranting further investigation through randomized controlled trials.
