CompletedInterventional

Evaluating the efficacy of audio-based digital tools to improve sleep on the Unmind workplace wellbeing platform

Poor sleep is very common and can affect your mood, energy, and work productivity. Many people use phone apps with bedtime stories or soothing sounds to drift off, but there is little scientific proof showing how well they work. This study aims to find out if audio tools on the Unmind workplace wellbeing app truly improve sleep for working adults. Adults aged 18 to 67 in the UK or USA who struggle with sleep can join entirely online. Participants are randomly put into one of four groups. Three groups will listen to bedtime sounds, stories, or relaxation exercises each night for four weeks. A fourth group will listen to short daytime wellbeing tracks. Everyone will complete questionnaires before and after the trial to see if their sleep and wellbeing have improved. Participants receive payment for completing the surveys.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Unmind Ltd

Enrolment target

600

Start

22 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

27 Nov 2024

Working adults experiencing poor sleep

What is this study about?

A good night's rest is essential for our physical health, emotional wellbeing, and ability to focus at work. Yet millions of adults struggle to fall asleep, wake up during the night, or feel exhausted the next day. The NHS often recommends talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for sleep problems, but many people also turn to mobile apps for quick, easy support.

Bedtime audio features—such as gentle nature sounds, calming narrated stories, and breathing exercises—have become very popular. Even though millions of people use them, scientists have not done much research to see whether they actually improve sleep quality or overall mental health.

This clinical study, led by the University of Sussex, is testing three types of sleep audio available on the Unmind app: "Sleep Sounds", "Bedtime Stories", and "Sleep Skills". By comparing these tools against a daytime wellbeing track, the researchers hope to understand which audio tools work best and help people find reliable ways to rest better.

Key takeaways

Tests whether audio tracks on the Unmind app can improve sleep in working adults.
Runs completely online from home for a total duration of four weeks.
Open to employed adults aged 18 to 67 in the UK or USA with poor sleep.
Involves listening to bedtime audio or daytime wellbeing tracks each day.
Participants receive financial payment for completing the study surveys.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are between 18 and 67 years old, live in the UK or USA, and work either full-time or part-time. You must feel that you are experiencing poor sleep, speak fluent English, and have a smartphone or tablet to download the Unmind app. You also need an active account on the Prolific research platform.

You cannot take part if you are currently receiving medical care or therapy from a doctor or sleep specialist for a diagnosed sleep disorder.

Additionally, you cannot join if you have used the Unmind platform in the past, or if you are already taking part in another study that involves the Unmind app.

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 between 18 and 67 years old?
Do you live in the UK or USA and work full-time or part-time?
Do you struggle with poor sleep?
Do you own a smartphone or tablet and have an active Prolific account?
Have you never used the Unmind app before?
Are you free from ongoing medical treatment for a sleep disorder?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part is done entirely from home using your phone, tablet, or computer. First, you will complete a brief online questionnaire to make sure the study is right for you. If eligible, you will fill in a survey about your sleep habits, wellbeing, and work life.

You will then be placed by chance (randomly) into one of four groups. If you are in one of the three sleep groups, you will listen to an assigned bedtime audio track—such as relaxing sounds, a story, or a guided exercise—every night for four weeks. If you are placed in the fourth group, you will listen to a short daytime wellbeing track called a Daily Boost at any time during the day for four weeks.

At the end of the four weeks, you will complete a final survey and share your feedback on the app. The whole study lasts four weeks, requires no hospital visits, and involves no medications. You will also receive financial payment via Prolific for your time completing the surveys.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help you relax and could improve your sleep and overall mood. However, benefits cannot be guaranteed, especially if you are placed in the daytime group (though this group gets full access to the sleep tools once the study finishes). The audio tracks are gentle and safe, carrying very little risk of harm. Answering survey questions about your mental health and sleep might occasionally feel sensitive or uncomfortable. Support contacts are provided if you need them. Joining is entirely voluntary, and you are free to stop and leave the study at any point without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

University of Sussex
Approximate
Brighton, England

Common questions

Do I have to visit a clinic or hospital?

No. The entire study is completed online from home using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Do I have to pay to use the Unmind app?

No. You will be given free access to the app features required for the study.

Will I be paid for my time?

Yes. Participants receive monetary payment through the Prolific platform after completing the study questionnaires.

What happens if I am placed in the comparison (control) group?

You will listen to short daytime wellbeing audio tracks for four weeks. Once the study ends, you will be given full access to all the sleep tools.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You can withdraw from the study at any time by closing the survey or contacting the research team, with no penalty.

How to find out more

Jessica Vazzaz

j.vazzaz@sussex.ac.uk - Official trial record

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