Evaluating the effectiveness of an innovative sleep technology to support individuals who experience sleep problems and worry-related stress: a crossover randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Insomnia and worry-related stress are common problems affecting both mental and physical health. Assistive sleep technologies such as the Somnox 2 may improve sleep quality and reduce stress. This study investigated whether the Somnox improves sleep quality and reduces perceived stress in adults with sleep problems and worry-related stress. A secondary objective was its impact on quality of life. In a 14-week crossover randomized controlled trial, 40 adults (90% female), reporting various types of worries, participated. Each completed two 6-week periods of either Somnox use or no intervention, separated by a 1-day washout. Outcomes were assessed using the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Mental Health Quality of Life (MHQoL), and daily self-reported sleep and stress ratings. Compared with the control condition, Somnox use was associated with higher sleep quality (SCI: +4.22 ± 5.46, 95% CI 2.48 to 5.97, p < 0.001) and lower perceived stress (PSS: −1.80 ± 5.61, 95% CI −3.59 to −0.01, p = 0.049). The SCI finding was supported by a baseline-adjusted first-period sensitivity analysis. Daily sleep scores increased (+0.15 ± 0.33, p = 0.012) and daily stress decreased (−0.11 ± 0.23, p = 0.056). No clear improvements were observed in quality of life. These findings suggest that Somnox is a feasible and promising sleep technology to improve sleep quality and possibly reduce worry-related stress in adults with worries. Future research should explore longer-term effects and diverse subgroups.