The effectiveness of online sleep education interventions for college students: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND

College students notoriously engage in sleep impairing behaviors, impacting their overall health. In-person sleep education interventions for college students have shown mixed effects on improving sleep behaviors. Online medium of delivery may intervene where in-person-only interventions are lacking.

PURPOSE

Evaluate the effectiveness of online sleep education interventions for college students.

METHODS

This study analyzed education-based, sleep behavior interventions targeting college students published between 2014 and 2024 that incorporated at least one online modality within MEDLINE, CINAHL Ultimate, ERIC, and Academic Search Premiere databases. Methodological quality was measured through the Jadad Scale.

RESULTS

Studies (N=6) had a mean Jadad score of 6.17. Most interventions (n=4) used randomized control trial designs, predominantly recruited White and female participants. Studies were fully or partially, were primarily evaluated using investigator-created scales, and used varying sleep outcome measures. Two studies incorporated health behavior theory. While all interventions tracked adherence, only three examined participant satisfaction.

DISCUSSION

Online sleep education interventions show mixed effects on college student sleep outcomes. Future interventions should evaluate program fidelity, increase demographic diversity, and operationalize behavior change theories.

TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE

Health education specialists should consider the use of online sleep education interventions for improving college students' sleep outcomes.