Virtual Reality Relaxation for Insomnia

What this study is about

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a virtual reality (VR) relaxation intervention among adults aged 25 to 50 with insomnia disorder. The main questions this study aims to address are: * Is a VR relaxation intervention feasible to implement and acceptable for individuals with insomnia? * Does the intervention reduce pre-sleep cognitive and somatic arousal? * Does the intervention improve sleep quality and sleep depth? * Can the intervention enhance overall sleep health and reduce symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression? * Are these potential benefits maintained at a 3-month follow-up? Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a waitlist control group. Researchers will compare outcomes between groups to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Participants will: * Complete online questionnaires at three time points (baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up) assessing sleep health, pre-sleep arousal, and symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression * Take part in an in-person diagnostic interview at Université Laval to assess sleep and mental health status * Complete a daily online sleep diary for 8 weeks (2 weeks baseline, 4 weeks intervention, and 2 weeks post-intervention) * Engage in a 15-minute VR-guided meditation session each evening at home for 4 weeks * Wear a portable sleep monitor at home for 8 nights (4 nights baseline and 4 nights post-intervention) * Complete an acceptability questionnaire following the intervention

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Aged between 25 and 50 years
• Experiencing difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or early-morning awakenings at least three times per week for a minimum of three months
• Residing within a 25-km radius of Université Laval

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Diagnosis of serious medical conditions (e.g., cancer, neurological disorders, chronic pain) or major psychiatric disorders
• Conditions that could be exacerbated by virtual reality devices (e.g., epilepsy, eye disorders, dizziness, balance disorders)
• Adverse effects related to virtual reality use (e.g., dizziness, nausea)
• Currently using prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids
• Engaged in night shifts or rotating shift work

Where this trial is running

• Laval University, Québec, Quebec, Canada

Who to contact

William-Girard Journault, BA · 581-998-6713 · william-girard.journault.1@ulaval.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT07630532.