0940 Reductions in Use of Sleep Aids Following an App-Based Sleep Coaching Platform

Abstract

Introduction

Use of sleep supplements and other sleep aids is increasing. Yet, many of these are not supported strategies for ameliorating sleep problems. Providing educational and behavioral strategies may reduce reliance on these substances.

Methods

Data were obtained from N=93 individuals who participated in the 12-week Sleep Reset program. The Sleep Reset program (Simple Habit, Inc.) includes ongoing text-based communication with coaches trained to support sleep behavior change, and a mobile app that includes a sleep diary, educational modules, mindfulness exercises, and progress tracking. Potential users are screened prior to entry and if they demonstrate a contraindicated medical or psychiatric problem, they were not admitted to the coaching program. If they demonstrate a likely sleep disorder (including insomnia disorder) they are referred for additional support. The coaching communications included information about basic sleep and circadian principles (e.g., sleep hygiene, behavioral scheduling, light exposure, relaxation) and techniques based on CBTI (e.g., stimulus control). Participants were asked if they used any “sleep aids” (which could include medications or melatonin/supplements) daily while in the program. Type of substance was not assessed. Data were binned by week, dichotomized as yes/no regarding any use in that week.

Results

Of the N=93 participants, N=46 (49%) indicated that they used “sleep aids” at least once in the first week. Among Sleep Reset participants who reported using sleep aids at least once in their first week in the program, use was reduced to N=13 (28.9%) by week 12. This difference was statistically significant (t(44)=10.4, p< 0.0005). Reductions from week 1 were already seen in week 2 (57.8%; t(44)=5.7, p< 0.0005). Another reduction was seen between weeks 3 and 4 (51.1% to 37.8%, t(44)=1.8, p=0.042), and a trend was seen between weeks 9 and 10 (35.6% to 26.7%, t(44)=1.7, p=0.052).

Conclusion

In an app-led sleep coaching program, those who used sleep aids in week 1 reduced use by 71.1% by the end of the 12-week period, with the largest reductions in the first week. Future controlled studies are needed to validate whether a sleep coaching program can reduce use of sleep aid such as supplements that may not be helpful.

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