O039 Sleep security definition and primary domains: a Delphi study
Abstract Introduction Sleep is a fundamental biological process, but environmental and social factors influence individuals’ opportunities to obtain sufficient, high-quality sleep. These factors contribute to and explain sleep health disparities. The aim of this project was to conduct a Delphi study to conceptualise “Sleep Security”. Sleep Security places the opportunity for sufficient and high-quality sleep within a rights-based framework, drawing together a conceptualisation that highlights socio-environmental influences on sleep health. Methods An in-person workshop was held in 2024 to develop a preliminary conceptual model of Sleep Security. A 2-round online Delphi study was then conducted (2024-2025) to further refine and revise the conceptual model, definition and primary dimensions. Participants were Australian/New Zealand experts with clinical/academic experience in sleep, who rated their agreement on a 5-point Likert scale and provided qualitative feedback. Consensus was set apriori at ≥75% of participants indicating they “agree” or “strongly agree”, with qualitative data used to further refine if needed. Results Thirty-one experts participated in round 1, and 18 participated in round 2. Informed by qualitative feedback, changes were put forward for rating in round 2 for the definition of Sleep Security and three of the five domains. Consensus was reached on the definition and for five primary domains: “Safety and Security”, “Conducive Environment”, “Policy and Practice”, “Opportunities and Demands”, and “Autonomy”. Conclusions This new expert-driven conceptualisation of “Sleep Security” may be used in research and advocacy efforts to understand and promote sleep as a human right and a fundamental pillar for human health and well-being.
Authors
- Aaron Schokman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0419-9347)
- Sue Smith (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1066-5175)
- Shannon L. Edmed (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5550-9371)
Institutions
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- SLEEP Advances
- Published
- 2025-10-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1093/sleepadvances/zpaf053.039
- Primary Topic
- Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00