Sensory and Behavioral Sleep Training

Summary

Sleep problems may affect individuals' daily functioning, emotional well-being, cognitive performance, and quality of life. Non-pharmacological approaches, including sleep hygiene education, sensory-based strategies, and behavioral relaxation techniques, may help individuals develop healthier sleep routines. However, studies directly comparing sensory-based and behavioral approaches are limited.

The aim of this randomized controlled study is to compare the effects of sensory-based and behavioral sleep interventions in adults experiencing poor sleep quality. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: a sleep hygiene education group, a sensory-based intervention group, or a behavioral intervention group. All participants receive a standardized six-week sleep hygiene education program. In addition, the sensory-based intervention group uses aromatherapy and pink noise, while the behavioral intervention group practices progressive muscle relaxation and diaphragmatic breathing exercises.

Participants are assessed before and after the six-week intervention period. The study examines changes in sleep quality and sleep-related behaviors, as well as anxiety, quality of life, activity-role balance, sensory processing characteristics, autonomic nervous system activity, and sleep parameters. The study is expected to provide information about the potential contribution of sensory-based and behavioral strategies to the management of sleep problems.

Conditions

• Sleep Disorder (Disorder)

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Sleep Hygiene Education

Participants receive a standardized six-week sleep hygiene education program. The program covers sleep physiology and the use of a sleep diary, the principles and importance of sleep hygiene, behavioral and cognitive strategies that may support sleep, characteristics of an appropriate sleep environment, evaluation of current sleep habits, factors affecting sleep quality, and reinforcement of acquired sleep-related behaviors. The educational content is delivered remotely, and adherence is supported through weekly telephone follow-up.

BEHAVIORAL

Sensory-Based Sleep Intervention

Participants receive a home-based sensory intervention in addition to sleep hygiene education. The intervention includes inhalation of lavender and orange essential oils before bedtime and exposure to pink noise during the transition to sleep. Participants are instructed to apply a few drops of the essential oils to cotton or gauze placed at an appropriate distance for inhalation, or to disperse the oils into the room using a diffuser. The sensory strategies are introduced by the researcher and are applied regularly in the home environment throughout the six-week intervention period. Adherence is monitored through weekly telephone follow-up.

BEHAVIORAL

Behavioral Relaxation Intervention

Participants receive a home-based behavioral relaxation intervention in addition to sleep hygiene education. The intervention consists of progressive muscle relaxation exercises and diaphragmatic breathing exercises performed before bedtime. Participants are provided with an audio recording and written instructions to support standardized practice. Progressive muscle relaxation involves the systematic relaxation of different muscle groups, while diaphragmatic breathing is used to support physiological relaxation. The exercises are practiced regularly throughout the six-week intervention period, and adherence is monitored through weekly telephone follow-up.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Atlas University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

20 Years

Max Age

55 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-12-15

Primary Completion

2026-07-01

Completion

2026-07-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations