From barriers to benefits: A personalized sleep intervention enhances sleep duration and emotional health in chronic short sleepers
Loading...
Authors
Wei Wang
Ho Yin Derek Ma
Shu Fai Cheung
C. Harry Hui
Ming Ming Chiu
Mark Lawrence Wong
Janet Hui- wen Hsiao
Rong Wei Sun
Yeuk Ching Lam
Akira Basa Okabe
Contact
Check for full-text access
Issue Date
01/04/2026
Type
Journal article
Language
Keywords
Specialist and Integrated
Alternative Title
Abstract
This pilot study evaluated a personalized sleep intervention incorporating motivational interviewing techniques to address sleep barriers, along with tailored sleep hygiene and extension for chronic short sleepers. Eleven university students completed a 14- day sequential intervention (baseline, sleep hygiene and a combined phase adding 90- min extension), assessed via actigraphy, daily diaries, ecological momentary assessments and qualitative interviews. The intervention was highly feasible. Total sleep time increased from 5.01 h (baseline) to 5.62 h (sleep hygiene) and 6.67 h (combined phase), alongside reduced bedtime procrastination and improved sleep hygiene practices. Multilevel modelling suggested that sleep hygiene increased time in bed (+0.72 h) and morning vitality, while sleep extension further extended time in bed (+1.49 h) and total sleep time (+0.55 h). Emotional benefits were linked to within- person increases in sleep duration. Qualitative findings highlighted heterogeneous barriers and the importance of context- based personalization. These preliminary results support the potential of personalized sleep interventions to improve sleep and emotional health in chronic short sleepers, warranting further controlled trials.
Description
Citation
Wang, W. et al. (2026) 'From barriers to benefits: A personalized sleep intervention enhances sleep duration and emotional health in chronic short sleepers,' British Journal of Psychology [Preprint]. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjop.70075.
Publisher
License
Journal
British Journal of Psychology
Volume
ahead-of-print