Examining the Feasibility of an App-based Sleep Intervention for Shiftworkers Using the RE-AIM Framework.

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the feasibility of Sleepfit, an app-based sleep intervention for shiftworkers, to evaluate participant reach, engagement, and interaction.

Methods: The RE-AIM framework guided the feasibility assessment. Participants from various shiftwork industries (e.g. healthcare, mining) completed a 14-day trial of the Sleepfit app, alongside baseline and post-intervention surveys. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate participant enjoyment and engagement, including daily app usage and the number of activities completed.

Results: Among the 110 enrolled shiftworkers, 53 (48%) completed post-intervention assessments, and 34 (30.9%) adhered to the full study protocol. Of those who completed baseline surveys, 85.4% downloaded and used Sleepfit, engaging with an average of 17.3% of available activities, with shiftwork-specific modules like "Coping with Shiftwork" showing the highest engagement. Participants cited lack of time, inconvenience, and losing interest as reasons for discontinuing app use.

Conclusions: This study indicates the potential feasibility of app-based interventions like Sleepfit to improve shiftworkers' sleep health through tailored, relevant content. Future studies should consider longer durations and larger samples, incorporating wearable technology to enhance data accuracy and assess sustained effects across varied shift schedules.