Digital InteRvention to promotE Adolescent sleep, learning and Mental well-being (DREAM)

Dream Image

Sleep is essential for adolescents' learning, cognitive development, and mental well-being. Yet many adolescents experience insufficient or poor-quality sleep, which can affect their emotional health, concentration, memory, and academic performance. The DREAM study aims to design, develop, and evaluate a digital intervention to help adolescents aged 12–17 years build healthier sleep habits and improve their overall well-being and learning. The intervention is based on evidence-based psychological strategies and has been co-designed with adolescents, parents, and healthcare professionals in Singapore. Currently, the study consists of three phases:

  • Phase 1: Co-design of the DREAM digital intervention through interviews and focus group discussions with adolescents, parents, and healthcare professionals to understand sleep challenges, user needs, and preferences.
  • Phase 2: Development and refinement of the DREAM digital intervention through user testing and feedback.
  • Phase 3: Evaluation of the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the intervention in improving adolescent sleep, mental well-being, and learning outcomes.

What does A*STAR IHDP hope to do?
A*STAR IHDP aims to develop and test the initial efficacy of a digital intervention that helps adolescents improve their sleep through evidence-based behavioural strategies. By promoting better sleep, the DREAM study seeks to support adolescents' mental well-being and learning. Findings from this research will contribute to the development of accessible digital solutions that can benefit adolescents in Singapore and beyond.

How can you help?

We are looking for adolescents who are:

  • 12–17 years old
  • Living in Singapore
  • Able to understand and communicate in English
  • Experiencing sleep complaints, such as:
      • Sleeping less than 7 hours per night
    • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
    • Poor sleep quality or feeling tired despite sleeping
  • Are willing to participate in a research study to help develop a digital intervention that promotes healthy sleep, mental well-being, and learning.

What should you expect?

Depending on the study phase, participants may be invited to:

  • Test different versions of the DREAM digital intervention.
  • Complete questionnaires about sleep, well-being, and cognition.
  • Provide feedback on the usability, content, and design of the intervention.
  • Participate in interviews or focus group discussions.
  • Complete learning and cognitive tasks.
  • Wear a sleep-tracking device and a brief non-invasive brain activity assessment.

By participating, you will help shape a digital intervention that has the potential to benefit many young people in Singapore.

To find out more, email dream@a-star.edu.sg.