CompletedInterventional

Supporting employees with insomnia and emotional regulation problems

Poor sleep and mental health difficulties like anxiety and low mood often go hand-in-hand. This trial looks at whether a digital therapy programme called SLEEP can help employed adults sleep better and feel more supported at work. Run by the University of Warwick, the study combines an online sleep and emotion programme with one-to-one video sessions led by trained specialists. Participants wear a lightweight wrist tracker for a week before and after the programme to monitor their sleep patterns. Half of the participants start the six-week programme straight away, while the other half wait eight weeks before taking part. The researchers hope this project will find simple, effective ways for workplaces to support staff wellbeing, improve daily energy, and reduce sickness absence across the Midlands.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Warwick

Enrolment target

156

Start

11 Jun 2021

Estimated completion

30 Oct 2021

Insomnia, anxiety and depression

What is this study about?

Sleeping well is vital for both our physical health and our peace of mind. In the UK, around one in six workers experiences mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, or depression each year. When you add broken or restless sleep to the mix, everyday life and work can quickly start to feel overwhelming. Despite this, many people find it hard to access prompt, practical support that fits around their working hours.

Researchers at the University of Warwick are running a project called SLEEP to see if a remote programme can help break this cycle. The programme uses cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, which are gentle, evidence-based methods that help people change unhelpful sleep habits and calm racing thoughts. It also teaches helpful ways to handle stress and difficult emotions, supported by video calls with trained specialists.

Because the entire programme is delivered online, participants can take part from home without needing time off to travel to a clinic. By studying how well this programme works, the research team hopes to give employers and health services better tools to help people stay well, sleep deeply, and thrive in their jobs.

Key takeaways

Tests a remote sleep and emotion programme designed specifically for working adults.
Combines weekly online learning modules with four 45-minute video sessions with a therapist.
Uses a lightweight wristband tracker for one week before and after the programme to measure sleep.
Everyone who joins gets access to the programme, either immediately or after an eight-week wait.
Completely free, run online by the University of Warwick, and involves no medication.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to join, you must be 18 or older, speak English, and be currently in paid employment (including self-employed, working from home, or on furlough) within the Midlands region. You also need to be experiencing regular sleep troubles alongside mild-to-moderate symptoms of worry, stress, or low mood.

You cannot take part if you are already receiving psychological therapy or medication for your mental health through your GP or specialist NHS services. The study is also not suitable for people who work irregular night shifts, are pregnant, or plan to retire within the next 10 months.

Finally, people who have certain existing medical conditions cannot join. These include conditions that directly affect sleep patterns—such as sleep apnoea or restless legs syndrome—as well as bipolar disorder, psychosis, epilepsy, or active drug or alcohol problems. These conditions need different types of specialised medical care.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 18 or over?
Are you currently working (employed, self-employed, or on furlough) in the Midlands?
Do you struggle with poor sleep alongside worry, anxiety, or low mood?
Are you currently free from other mental health treatments, such as NHS therapy or medication?
Do you work regular daytime hours rather than irregular night shifts?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part takes place entirely online, meaning there are no clinic visits. First, a computer randomly places you into one of two groups: one starts the programme right away, while the other is a 'waiting list' group that starts eight weeks later. Both groups wear a lightweight, watch-like sleep tracker on their wrist for seven days at the start to measure everyday movement and sleep quality.

The programme itself lasts for six weeks. It involves about one hour of online learning each week, plus four 45-minute video calls with a trained therapist. No tablets or medicines are used. Once the programme finishes, you will wear the sleep tracker for another week and fill in follow-up questionnaires one month later. Overall, taking part lasts about three months for the immediate group and about five months for the waiting list group.

Potential risks and benefits

You may find that taking part helps you sleep better, reduces feelings of anxiety, and improves your energy and focus during the working day. A possible side effect of changing your sleep schedule is feeling a little more tired during the day for the first week or two; if you feel very drowsy, you will be advised not to drive or operate machinery. Some questionnaires ask sensitive questions about emotional distress, and if your answers suggest you are struggling, the team will direct you to your GP or NHS crisis support. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (19)

Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
City only
Wolverhampton, England
Leicester City Football Club
City only
Leicester, England
Conference Care
City only
Leicestershire, England
Pathfinder schools
City only
Northamptonshire, England
Birmingham City Council
Approximate
Birmingham, England
Noble Events
Unverified
Leicestershire, England
The University of Warwick
Unverified
Coventry, England
Jaguar Land Rover
Unverified
Coventry, England
CCM Group
Unverified
Huthwaite, England
Mice and Dice
Unverified
Newcastle-under-Lyme, England
NTT
Unverified
Lichfield, England
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
Unverified
Worcester, England

Common questions

Do I have to travel to a hospital or university to take part?

No. The entire study is run remotely, so you can complete the questionnaires, wear the tracker, and attend your video sessions from the comfort of your own home.

Will I definitely receive the sleep programme?

Yes. Every participant is offered the six-week programme. Half the people start straight away, and the other half start after an eight-week waiting period.

Does this trial involve taking any sleeping pills or medications?

No. The study tests a talking and behavioural therapy approach only. It does not involve any medications or tablets.

Will my employer know I am taking part or see my answers?

No. Your participation and your answers to all questionnaires are completely confidential and will not be shared with your workplace.

What happens if I feel my mental health is getting worse?

The trial is overseen by a qualified clinical psychologist. If you experience severe distress or thoughts of self-harm, the team will guide you on how to contact your GP and local NHS mental health teams for immediate support.

How to find out more

Charlotte Kershaw

Charlotte.Kershaw@warwick.ac.uk N/A Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.