Sleep Well for Firefighters: an app program to improve sleep, thinking, and behavioral health

Intervention to Improve Sleep, Cognition, and Behavioral Health in Firefighters

NA · California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo · NCT07477184

This pilot tests whether a smartphone app plus monthly phone coaching can help Central Coast California firefighters sleep better and improve mood and cognition.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (other)
Locations1 site (San Luis Obispo, California)
Trial IDNCT07477184 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot will recruit active CalFire Central Coast and City of San Luis Obispo firefighters who speak English and use an iPhone or iPad. After screening and baseline questionnaires, participants will wear a research-grade wrist accelerometer and then be randomized (about 25 per arm) to either the Sleep Well app with monthly coaching or to receive a printed sleep handout. The intervention arm will track sleep, activity, eating, and stress in-app, complete weekly lessons based on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and social cognitive theory, and take part in three monthly coaching calls over three months. All participants repeat assessments at three months and intervention users provide feedback to inform feasibility and acceptability.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-volunteer, non-administrative CalFire Central Coast or City of San Luis Obispo firefighters aged 18 or older who speak English, have an iPhone or iPad, and want to improve their sleep.

Not a fit: People who do not work for the specified fire agencies, do not have an iPhone/iPad, or are not interested in a digital sleep program are unlikely to participate or benefit from this pilot.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer firefighters an accessible, scalable way to improve sleep, reduce fatigue, and support mental functioning.

How similar studies have performed: Digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and app-based sleep programs have shown benefits in general and occupational groups, but firefighter-specific evidence is limited and this pilot is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria based on self report:

* Current CalFire Wildfire firefighter in Central Coast region or City of San Luis Obispo Firefighter (non-volunteer and not a primarily administrator status)
* English Speaking
* Have an iPhone /iPad
* Age \>= 18
* Self-reported interest in improving sleep functioning.

Exclusion Criteria:

* none

Where this trial is running

San Luis Obispo, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sleep Health, Stress, Anxiety, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Cognition, Firefighters, Behavioral Sleep Health

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.