CompletedInterventional

Investigating an environmental intervention for office workers with poor sleep

This study is exploring if adjusting how office workers interact with their surroundings can lead to better sleep. Many adults struggle with sleep, which can affect concentration and daily performance. This research aims to test an intervention that could ultimately boost well-being. They're looking for office workers in Oxford, aged 23-65, who have trouble sleeping and work full-time, sitting at a desk indoors. Taking part involves wearing small sensors, keeping a diary, and completing questionnaires over six weeks. There will also be educational sessions, one in-person and four online. Participants could see improvements in their sleep and will receive Amazon vouchers for their time.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

17 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

18 Nov 2025

Modifying the behaviour of office workers to improve sleep

What is this study about?

This study is a project looking into whether improving your surroundings at work could help you get a better night's sleep. Many grown-ups find it hard to sleep well, and this can lead to feeling tired, struggling to focus, and not being as productive during the day. The researchers want to see if small changes in how office workers interact with their environment could make a real difference to their sleep quality. The information gathered will help them understand how best to support people with sleep difficulties in the future.

The main aim is to test out a specific approach, or 'intervention', designed to improve sleep. This isn't about giving you medication, but rather about helping you adjust your habits and environment. If successful, this research could pave the way for new ways to help many office workers who struggle with sleep, leading to better health and how they feel day-to-day. It’s important to remember that this study is about gathering information and testing ideas.

The study will involve people who spend most of their working day at a desk indoors. By understanding their experiences and how they respond to the suggested changes, the researchers hope to develop useful strategies that could be shared more widely. Your participation would be highly valuable in helping us learn more about improving sleep for office workers in the UK.

Key takeaways

This study explores if environmental changes can improve office workers' sleep.
It's for Oxford-based office workers aged 23-65 with sleep difficulties.
Participation involves wearing sensors, keeping diaries, and attending sessions over six weeks.
You might experience improved sleep and will receive Amazon vouchers for participating.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 23 and 65 years old. You should be working full-time (like a 9-to-5 job, Monday to Friday) as an 'office worker', meaning you spend most of your workday sitting at a desk indoors, and you need to be based in Oxford for both work and living.

It's important that you're currently having trouble with your sleep. You’ll also need to own an iPhone (model 15 or newer) with a regular internet connection. As you will be asked to fill in forms and follow instructions, being able to read and understand English is also required.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include having severe anxiety or depression, having suicidal thoughts, or being diagnosed with or treated for certain mental health or other specific sleep disorders. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, a smoker, or taking certain medications, you might not be eligible. They'll also check if you have certain physical health conditions, eye diseases, or an implanted medical device like a pacemaker.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 23 and 65 years old?
Do you work full-time as an office worker in Oxford (sitting at a desk indoors)?
Are you currently having trouble sleeping?
Do you own an iPhone (iOS 15 or newer) with a good internet connection?
Do you feel you can read and understand English well?
Are you generally in good health without certain medical conditions or severe mental health issues?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, it will last for a total of six weeks. It starts with two weeks where your normal sleep patterns are recorded, followed by four weeks where you'll try out the intervention.

Throughout the whole six weeks, you'll need to wear two small sensors: one on your wrist (called an actigraph) and a 'Button' device during the day. You’ll also need to fill in short daily diaries about your sleep when you wake up and about your day before you go to bed, along with recording any important events.

On one night at the end of week 2 and again at the end of week 6, you will wear a special 'HSM sleep EEG' device to record your brain activity during sleep. You'll also complete a series of questionnaires at the end of weeks 2, 4, and 6, plus two more at the very end of the study. For the intervention period, you’ll receive two educational booklets and take part in five sessions led by a researcher: one in-person and four online via video call. All these activities are designed to fit into your normal daily life. At the end, you'll need to return all the equipment. Some people might also be invited for a follow-up chat about their experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

While there's no guarantee, a potential benefit of joining this study is that your sleep might improve. As a thank you for your time, you will receive Amazon vouchers worth £100 if you complete the full six weeks, with an extra £15 if you also do a follow-up interview. Possible risks include minor skin irritation from wearing the sensors – if this happens, arrangements will be made. The questionnaires cover mental health, and reflecting on these topics can sometimes be upsetting; if you feel overwhelmed, you can contact the study team or your GP. There are also privacy concerns about the sensor data; while the devices track general activities and sleep patterns, they don't record detailed personal information. Importantly, you are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNi), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
City only
Oxford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is an 'office worker' for this study?

For this study, an 'office worker' means someone who spends most of their working day sitting at a desk indoors, usually working full-time (like 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday) in Oxford.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any medications. It focuses on how your environment and habits might affect your sleep.

How much time will I need to commit?

The study lasts six weeks in total. This includes wearing sensors, filling in daily diaries, completing some questionnaires, and attending five researcher-led sessions (one in-person, four online).

What happens if I change my mind during the study?

You are completely free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care or needing to provide an explanation.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Better Sleep: NIHR Oxford Health BRC, and the Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation.

How to find out more

Simon Kyle

simon.kyle@ndcn.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 618675 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.