NCT07395323

Impact of Relaxation Sessions Using a Virtual Reality Application on the Sleep Quality of Caregivers Working Night Shifts

Impact of Using a Virtual Reality Application on the Sleep Quality of Caregivers Working Night Shifts

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier St Anne · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This project aims to evaluate the impact of relaxation sessions conducted using a virtual reality device on the sleep quality of night-shift healthcare workers. The intervention specifically targets the immediate post-night-shift period, a critical time for recovery, by offering immersive guided relaxation experiences designed to reduce anxiety and promote both mental and physiological relaxation.

Detailed description

Paramedical staff working night shifts are particularly exposed to sleep disorders and psychological difficulties due to the length and organization of their working hours. The ANSES report highlights the central role of anxiety, both as a consequence of night work and as a factor that worsens sleep disturbances. In response to this situation, the GHU Directorate of Nursing, in collaboration with Occupational Health, the CHRONOS team, and the pain specialist physician, has initiated a reflection on preventive actions aimed at better addressing the vulnerability of healthcare professionals. The objective is to provide concrete responses to psychological distress and the high levels of stress experienced by healthcare workers, which have been further intensified by the health crisis. Within this framework, it is proposed to specifically address immediate post-night-shift sleep disturbances by implementing a relaxation program using a virtual reality application. This non-pharmacological approach aims to reduce anxiety and improve recovery among paramedical professionals working night shifts.

Conditions

• Sleep Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Arm 1: Experimental (VR) Intervention: Virtual reality sessions	During the virtual reality period (1 month), the participant receives a VR headset and an actigrapher, provided by a Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP). A training session is organized and scheduled following enrollment. The participant will keep the VR headset and actigrapher at home for one month. The devices will be collected by the night shift supervisor at the end of the usage period. A paper sleep diary will be provided to assess sleep quality.
DEVICE	Arm 2: Control (No VR / Standard Care)	Intervention: No virtual reality or standard care Description: Participants do not undergo virtual reality sessions during this period. The sleep-wake rhythm will be analyzed using an actimeter.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-01
• Primary completion: 2027-02-01
• Completion: 2027-05-01
• First posted: 2026-02-09
• Last updated: 2026-02-09