P063 App-delivered Sleep Therapy for Older Individuals with insomnia (ASTEROID Study) – mixed method user experience study

Abstract Introduction Insomnia affects over 40% of older adults, impacting on their health and quality of life, but is often untreated. This study investigated the acceptability of digital therapy for insomnia in older adults using a mixed-methods approach. Method Eligible (age≥60, ISI≥10) respondents participated in an online survey exploring their smartphone usage patterns, app design preferences, and experiences with health and sleep-related apps. Additionally, a two-session focus group explored participants’ perceptions of sleep issues, insomnia treatments and their digital health needs. Focus group participants subsequently engaged in the usability testing of a mobile app designed to treat insomnia (SleepFix) for 3 weeks. Results 203 participants completed the online survey (mean age=68.7±6.2; 66.0% female). Most (63%) used iOS phones, with 37% also using wearable devices, primarily for fitness and sleep tracking. The most desired features reported for an ideal sleep app were sleep diary entry and sleep quality tracking (83%) followed by lifestyle tracking (73%). Participants expressed a willingness to use an app to discover their sleep needs (95%) and improve overall sleep (93%). Preliminary focus group analysis (n=5) revealed long-standing struggles with insomnia and a desire for better solutions. After using SleepFix, participants reported improvements in sleep quality, expressing a willingness to recommend and continue using the insomnia app. Discussion This study found older people used mobile phones in many aspects of their lives, challenging stereotypes regarding older adults’ digital health literacy. There was a willingness to embrace digital health interventions to address long-standing insomnia and improve overall health outcomes.