Sleep Well Firefighters: An App-based Program to Improve Sleep, Cognition, and Behavioral Health in Firefighters

Intervention to Improve Sleep, Cognition, and Behavioral Health in Firefighters

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an app-based sleep program designed to help firefighters improve their sleep.

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an app-based sleep program designed to help firefighters improve their sleep. This trial will recruit firefighters working on the Central Coast of California. Upon completing screening procedures and an informed consent, participants will be asked to complete questionnaires related to sleep, behavioral health, and cognition and sleep patterns will be objectively assessed using research grade wrist-worn accelerometers. Participants will then be randomized to receive the Sleep Well intervention (mobile iOS app + monthly phone coaching; N=25) or a control condition (handout on sleep in firefighters; N=25). Over a three month study period, participants randomized to the Sleep Well intervention will be asked to 1) track their sleep, physical activity, eating, and stress; 2) complete weekly, in-app learning modules informed by social cognitive theory and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia covering topics such as sleep hygiene, bedtime routines, healthy eating and activity patterns, and managing stress; and 3) participate in three monthly coaching phone calls with a trained study interventionist. After the three month study period, all participants will be asked to repeat baseline assessments. Those in the Sleep Well intervention group will also be asked for user feedback. Quantitative data will inform feasibility of digitally delivered, behavioral sleep programming designed for firefighters. Findings will inform intervention strategies targeting healthy sleep behaviors to improve health and cognition in firefighters and guide the study protocol for a full-scale trial

Inclusion Criteria based on self report:

• Current CalFire Wildfire firefighter in Central Coast region or City of San Luis Obispo Firefighter (non-volunteer and not a primarily administrator status)
• English Speaking
• Have an iPhone /iPad
• Age >= 18
• Self-reported interest in improving sleep functioning.

Exclusion Criteria:

• none