A game-based learning approach to sleep hygiene education: a pilot investigation

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep hygiene education (SHE) consists of environmental and behavioral practices primarily intended to reduce sleep problems. Currently considered ineffective as a stand-alone treatment, the manner in which the education is typically delivered may be ineffective for the acquisition of new knowledge. The purpose of this study was to determine if a more engaging teaching medium may improve the efficacy of sleep hygiene education. This study examined the use of game-based learning to teach SHE to individuals with sleep problems.

Methods: 35 participants played the SHE games for 30 days. Differences in pre- and post-state anxiety and sleep quality measures were examined.

Results: Participants had significant improvements in sleep quality and state anxiety after using the app for 30 days, although scores for the majority of patients remained elevated.

Discussion: This pilot investigation provides initial evidence for the efficacy of a game-based approach to SHE.

Keywords: game-based learning; games for health; serious games; sleep hygiene; sleep hygiene education (SHE).