PILOT TESTING A SMARTPHONE SLEEP DIARY APPLICATION
Background. Diaries that capture daily activities and factors related to sleep disturbance are essential instruments frequently are employed in paper-and-pencil format in sleep research and clinical practice. We developed and pilot tested a smartphone phone application, designed for use with a Android platform that records information routinely incorporated in standard sleep diaries.
Methods. A convenient sample of 21 adults (mean age 49.9 years [11.9], 3 males) participated and completed the smartphone diary twice daily for one week. Specific time intervals were set (wake-up 3AM-12 PM; bed-time 8PM-3AM) and data were saved immediately upon entry to a UW server. Set times prohibited ‘back filling’ of diary entries. Subjects completed a 9 item acceptability survey with items rated ‘strongly agree = 5’ to ‘strongly disagree = 1’ and provided open ended written comments.
Results. Participants rated the smart phone application easy to use; instructions were adequate; they would use the application downloaded to a personal phone; and would use feedback from a diary recording to improve sleep. The prompt to record data was not disruptive; entering data was not a hassle; they would not prefer using a paper and pencil diary; using a loaned phone did not cause concern about loss; and they did not have concerns about others seeing their recorded information. Seventy-one percent (15/21) had at least 6 days of recorded data (matching bedtime/waketime diary time stamps); 3 subjects had complete data for 5 days and 3 for four days.
Implications. Participants in this pilot study found using a smartphone application for recording daily entries in a sleep diary highly acceptable. Using set entry intervals provides potential for complete and accurate recordings.