Using Virtual Reality Relaxation to Manage Stress and Sleep Problems in Adults with Burn-out, Anxiety, Mood, or Psychotic Disorders A Randomized Controlled Study

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study the effects of a virtual reality tool called VRelax on stress and sleep problems in people treated for burn-out, anxiety, mood, or psychotic disorders. Stress and sleep disturbances are known to worsen mental health symptoms in these conditions. The study will compare VRelax plus usual treatment to usual treatment with relaxation exercises, focusing on recovery, social functioning, healthcare use, and costs over short, medium, and long terms. Participants will be randomly assigned to use either VRelax, which offers immersive 360-degree nature videos with interactive elements for stress reduction, or audio-guided relaxation exercises like breathing and muscle relaxation. Both groups will continue their usual treatment. They are instructed to use their assigned relaxation method for at least 20 minutes a day, five days a week, over six weeks. The first and last weeks of this period include wearing devices to monitor heart rate, skin conductance, and sleep. During the study, participants will complete assessments at the start, six weeks, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks to measure symptoms, quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep, and physiological markers such as blood pressure and blood tests. Questionnaires and wearable devices help track changes in stress, mood, and sleep. The main measure is change in symptoms after six weeks. Safety and usability of VRelax are also monitored throughout the trial, which lasts one year from the first assessment.

Self-management of Stress and Sleep Disturbances with Virtual Reality Relaxation