Small changes could lead to significant improvements in sleep and well-being, according to WVU researchers

Nearly half of West Virginia’s population isn’t getting the recommended seven hours of sleep, potentially leading to future chronic health conditions for those individuals. As per the CDC, West Virginia is one of the most sleep deprived states in the country. However, researchers at West Virginia University say a simple change could significantly impact sleep.

Through a recent Harrison County community-based study, faculty with the School of Medicine’s Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine found they could increase an individual’s sleep duration by an average of 31 minutes – a stat that rivals the best prescription sleep medication – simply by having them watch a brief video about how to get better sleep.

“We want to combat sleep deprivation and the overall health problems linked to it -- like heart disease, strokes and obesity. The study was designed to see if we could improve sleep quality and duration through a simple intervention,” Sunil Sharma, M.D., MBA, section chief and professor of Medicine, said.

The SWELL Sleep Study, included two test groups – one group watched an educational video based on sleep hygiene kit from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the other did not.

Participants’ data was collected through a combination of self-reporting and data collected from their use of an Oura Ring, a smart ring used to track sleep and physical activity.

At the end of the trial, sleep duration for those who were compliant with the intervention and part of the treatment arm group improved significantly, with participants sleeping anywhere from six additional minutes to an hour longer of sleep per night, or 31 minutes on average.

“The average person may say, ‘Well, that doesn't seem like a significant difference,’ but if you look at the billions of dollars spent researching sleep aid and sleep medication, the best medications barely add 20 minutes more,” Sharma said.

According to Dr. Sharma, the study’s findings are easily scalable, meaning that similar outcomes could be achieved for rural populations across Appalachia, potentially leading to better overall well-being for millions of people.

“The simplicity of this study is so meaningful because it can be easily replicated and is cost-effective.,” Sharma said.  “This is what science is all about – translating results directly to our patients and the places they live.”

The study was recently published in with results published in The Journal of Rural Health and is

a collaboration between the School of Medicine’s Departments of Medicine and Neurology and Healthy Harrison, Inc., a coalition focused on wellness programs that serves as a hub for health-related ideas in Harrison County.

Healthy Harrison, Inc. Executive Director John Paul Nardelli, MBA, says that the study’s results could have a big impact and help to raise awareness around sleep hygiene.

“The study underscores the importance of getting a good night's sleep and avoiding the things you know that prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep,” Nardelli said. “Only when you understand what the problem truly is can you begin to make positive changes towards better health.”

Learn more about the Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine or Healthy Harrison, Inc. at their respective websites.