Targeting Worry to Improve Sleep

Targeting Worry to Improve Sleep Using App-Based Mindfulness Training

The purpose of this study is to test an app-based mindfulness training program for worry to see if it can help individuals decrease worry and improve sleep.

In this study, 80 individuals with worry interfering with sleep will be randomized to receive Unwinding Anxiety or to Treatment as Usual (50/50 chance). The active intervention period will last 2 months, with an optional 2-month follow-up period in which the intervention remains available. Changes in mindfulness, emotional reactivity, cognition and sleep behavior at specified time points will be measured. The primary engagement targets will be non-reactivity and worry. The primary behavioral outcome target will be sleep.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Score > 40 on the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ)
• Score ≥ to 40% on Worry Interfering with Sleep Scale (WISS)
• Owns a smartphone
• Willing to wear a sleep tracker for at least 1 week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any usage of psychotropic medication: not on a stable dosage 6+ weeks
• Medical disorder of the severity that would interfere with ability to attend visits and complete study milestones
• Use of benzodiazepine or hypnotic sleep aid on as needed (i.e. prn)
• Known sleep disorder
• Psychotic disorder
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Severe depression (Score > 3 on PHQ-2)
• Current shift work employment
• BMI > 35
• Evening caffeine use
• Pregnant women