Sleep Study

For people with insomnia, getting a good night sleep is not a game. But what if a game could help you sleep?

If you experience sleep problems, you may be eligible to participate in a research study.

Purpose

One thing is certain – no matter how hard you try, you cannot force yourself to go to sleep, but learning healthy sleep habits can improve your sleep. We are developing a game that teaches these habits so you can get a better night’s sleep. You can help us evaluate whether playing this game improves your sleep.

Are you eligible?

If you are at least 18 years of age and have trouble sleeping, this sleep game may help you learn the skills to sleep longer and better.

Location

You will be asked to come to the UCF Main Campus in Orlando for a pre- and post-assessment. During the 30-day study, you will participate from your home or another place of your choosing.

Total time of Participation

If you are 18 years of age or older and are suffering from sleep problems, you will first complete several questionnaires, lasting about 60 minutes. This will take place on UCF’s Main Campus.

Then you will play the game for about 15 minutes each day on your phone. You will also answer some questions about your previous night’s sleep. You will also be asked to wear an actigraphy band to track your physical activity and sleep quality. You will complete this at home for 30 days.

At the end of the 30 days, you will be asked to complete additional questionnaires, lasting approximately 60 minutes. This will take place on UCF’s Main Campus.

Compensation

If you complete this study, we will send you a $50.00 Amazon gift card as a token of our appreciation. Upon returning the actigraphy band to us, you will receive an additional $25.00 Amazon gift card.

Other Information

  • This announcement is being provided for information only.
  • This study has been approved by The University of Central Florida’s Institutional Review Board.
  • Principal Investigator: Christine Seaver, Ph.D. (Christine.Seaver@ucf.edu)

 

VR Operational Stress

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the psychological and physiological benefits of spending time in nature. Even as little as 15 minutes of walking in a natural setting can reduce physiological stress and improve cognitive functioning through an increased connection to the natural environment.

But what if your job does not allow you to leave for 15 minutes to go walk in the forest? We are investigating whether immersion in a virtual nature environment can reduce occupational stress and perhaps ultimately, the onset of PTSD, in first responders and emergency medical personnel.

For more information, please contact Dr. Christine Seaver at Christine.Seaver@ucf.edu.

UCF RESTORES’ Proprietary VR Treatment Tool

In 2022, our center’s hallmark IOP treatment program took a major leap forward with the introduction of our own proprietary virtual reality (VR) treatment tool – a cutting-edge technology with the potential to change the way our industry approaches immersive exposure therapy treatment. Learn more in the video below.