Evaluating the efficacy and mechanisms of action of app-based audio tools for improved sleep health in working adult populations

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental health. However, sleep disturbance and insomnia are very common. Insufficient sleep has been shown to adversely impact a range of outcomes including cognitive performance, mental health, emotional regulation, quality of life, relationship satisfaction, workplace and leisure activities. There is an urgent need for evidence-based interventions that improve sleep quantity and/or quality in working-age adults.
Smartphone-based mental health applications (or 'MHapps') are a prime delivery medium for sleep interventions, and standalone, audio-based tools (sleep skills, sounds and stories) for sleep designed for ad-hoc use by the general public have dramatically increased in popularity and availability in recent years. There is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the efficacy and mechanisms of app-based sleep tools. This collaborative PhD research program will address this gap in knowledge.

Project aims and objectives
This project explores the experience, mechanisms and effects of MHApp sleep support tools using a variety of methods including systematic literature review, randomised controlled trial design, interview protocols, and physiological data analysis from wearable sensors. Specifically, we will address these important questions:
1. What is already known about the experience, mechanisms and effects of MHApp sleep support tools?
2. What are the measured mechanisms and effects of MHApp sleep support tools when used by a sleep disturbed population?
3. Are self-reported effects on sleep duration, sleep regularity and sleep efficiency corroborated by objective sensor data in users of MHApp sleep support tools?
4. How are MHApp sleep support tools experienced by users? What are their perceived benefits, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities?