Effect of Virtual Reality on Sleep-Deprived Individuals

Abstract

Background: Sleep deprivation (SD) refers to getting less than the required amount of sleep, which for adults ranges from 7 to 9 h of sleep per night and can be caused by social and biological factors. College students experience SD, which can affect their academic performance, health, and mood. Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT), an upcoming method of intervention, has been used in other psychological conditions with positive outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of VRT on individuals with SD. Methods: This quasi-experimental study recruited 28 individuals based on the scores of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Athens Insomnia Scale, and Beck’s Depression Inventory, which were used as the inclusion and exclusion criteria. VRT sessions of 20 min were given twice a week for 2 weeks. PSQI was also used as an outcome measure, immediately and 2 weeks after the intervention Results: A significant difference was found between the baseline and post-intervention PSQI scores ( p = 0.001, effect size = 1.2). There was not much difference between the PSQI scores immediately and 2 weeks after the intervention. Conclusion: VRT was effective in improving sleep in individuals with SD.