REM Enhancement Sleep Technology for Well-being, Emotion, and Life Lift

REM Enhancement Sleep Technology for Well-being, Emotion, and Life Lift

This study aims to explore the efficiency of a digital, Smartphone-delivered intervention for improving the quality of REM sleep on the mental health, emotion regulation and overall life quality of users.

Building upon previous research regarding the use of digital solutions to enhance sleep quality, the primary objective of this study is to test the impact of using the REST-WELL application over a 60-day period within an adult sample.

The total sample will consist of 360 adult participants, students at the George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, who will be randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group of 180 participants, and a control group of 180 participants. Inclusion criteria involve a minimum age of 18 and the absence of diagnoses within the spectrum of neurocognitive, learning, or severe psychiatric disorders.

The present study will be conducted as part of the research project entitled "REM Sleep Augmentation Technology for Wellbeing, Affectivity, and Quality of Life Improvement" (unique registration code PN-IV-P7-7.1-PTE-2024-0844). Consequently, the group composition is based on the project proposal (300 participants, of whom 180 in the target group and 180 in the control group), based on the "matching groups" principle, requiring uniform distribution across groups in clinical trials. Participants in the experimental group will use the REST-WELL application via a smartwatch device for 60 nights. The data collection instruments will include:

• The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), administered on days 0 and 60, to measure adjustment difficulties;
• The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale - Abbreviated Form (WHOQOL-Bref), administered on days 0, 30, and 60, to assess general perceived wellbeing across various areas of functioning;
• The PROMIS Scale, administered bi-weekly, to measure sleep quality;
• The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), administered bi-weekly;
• The PERMA Profiler (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment), administered on days 0, 30, and 60.

Additionally, the analysis will include an evaluation of the students' academic performance in both groups, conducted on days 0 and 60, using the most recent exam session as a reference point.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age at least 18;
• the ability to provide consent;
• the absence of neurocognitive and severe psychiatric disorders.

Exclusion Criteria:

• the presence of severe cognitive impairment;
• the presence of psychosis;
• inability to understand the informed consent and complete questionnaires.