Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Dec 5, 2024
Date Accepted: Apr 12, 2025
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Effects of Digital Sleep Interventions on Sleep Among College Students and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
College students and young adults (aged 18-25 years) frequently experience poor sleep quality, with insomnia being particularly prevalent among this population. Given the widespread use of digital devices in the modern world, electronic device-based sleep interventions present a promising solution for improving sleep outcomes. However, their effects in this population remain underexplored.
Objective:
To synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of electronic device-based sleep interventions in enhancing sleep outcomes among college students and young adults.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on digital sleep interventions. Pooled estimates of postintervention and follow-up effects were calculated using Hedges’ g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) under a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics, and subgroup, moderator, and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Evidence quality was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations framework, and data analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, version 3.7.
Results:
This study included 13 studies involving 5,251 participants (mean age 23.58 years; 69.55% women). Digital sleep interventions significantly improved subjective sleep quality (Hedges’ g = -1.249; 95% CI:-1.834, -0.664), sleep efficiency (Hedges’ g = 0.617; 95% CI: 0.182, 1.052), insomnia severity (Hedges’ g = -4.082; 95% CI: -5.141, -3.022), dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep (DBAS; Hedges’ g = -1.544; 95% CI: -3.329, -0.986), sleep hygiene (Hedges’ g = -0.188; 95% CI: -0.343, -0.032), and sleep knowledge (Hedges’ g = -0.268; 95% CI: 0.088, 0.447). The follow-up effects were significant for subjective sleep quality (Hedges’ g = -0.532; 95% CI: -0.956, -0.107) and insomnia severity (Hedges’ g = -2.649; 95% CI: -3.888, -1.409). The evidence quality ranged from moderate to low certainty across measured outcomes.
Conclusions:
Digital sleep interventions are effective in improving subjective sleep quality and reducing insomnia severity, with moderate effects on dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep, sleep hygiene, and sleep knowledge. These interventions offer a viable approach to managing sleep problems in college students and young adults. Clinical Trial: The protocol for this study is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD 42024595126).
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