Sensory and Behavioral Sleep Training
A Comparison of Sensory and Behavioral Sleep Training in Individuals With Sleep Problems
Atlas University
54 participants
Dec 15, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Aged 20 to 55 years
- Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score of 5 or higher
- Able to use a smartphone
- Able to understand and speak Turkish
- Willing to participate voluntarily and provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria8
- History of substance dependence
- Presence of a chronic physical illness or a diagnosed psychiatric disorder
- Regular medication use, particularly sleep-regulating medications, antidepressants, or similar medications that may affect sleep
- Diagnosis of a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep apnea
- Mini-Mental State Examination score below 24
- Regular meditation or similar mind-body practice for more than 15 minutes per day
- Body mass index greater than 34.9 kg/m²
- Previous participation in a sleep hygiene education program
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Interventions
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.
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.
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.
Locations(1)
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NCT07638605