REP: Improving sleep after cancer
The University of Texas at Arlington has awarded funding to research teams to launch new investigative projects. The Research Enhancement Program (REP), administered by UTA’s Office of Vice President for Research and Innovation, offers seed funding to investigators to help them test new ideas and explore new directions that could lead to future innovations and more competitive proposals for external funding from federal agencies and nonprofit foundations.
In our research series, we highlight six of these grants.
Researchers: Rhonda Winegar and Zhaoli Liu, College of Nursing and Health Innovation
Research focus: Evaluating sleep of older cancer survivors and seeing if tailored sleep interventions are effective
What’s the idea?
The project studies whether wearable sleep-tracking devices and personalized coaching can help older cancer survivors improve their sleep. Researchers say sleep problems are common among cancer survivors and can continue long after treatment ends. Participants in the study will wear Oura Ring devices that track sleep patterns while also taking part in weekly telehealth coaching sessions focused on improving sleep habits. The team hopes combining wearable technology with sleep coaching will provide a more effective way to help cancer survivors improve their sleep with modifiable sleep hygiene tips.
Why it matters
Poor sleep can affect mood, memory, energy levels and overall quality of life. Researchers say cancer survivors experience sleep problems at much higher rates than the general population. Many previous studies relied heavily on self-reported sleep information, which may not fully capture actual sleep patterns. Researchers hope wearable technology will provide more accurate data and help identify better ways to improve sleep health. The study could also support non-drug approaches for managing sleep problems in older adults recovering from cancer.
Real-world use
The findings could help healthcare providers develop more effective sleep support programs for cancer survivors. Researchers say the telehealth coaching model could eventually expand access to sleep care for patients in rural or underserved communities where sleep specialists may be difficult to reach. The project could also help guide future research on wearable health technology and cancer survivorship care.
Next steps
The study is ongoing with some participants already at the six-month mark. Participants wear sleep-tracking devices, complete sleep assessments and participate in weekly virtual coaching sessions. Researchers are tracking whether sleep improves over time and will use the results to support larger future studies focused on sleep health and cancer survivorship.
In their words
“We’re already seeing some really encouraging changes in our participants. Their sleep efficiency is improving, they’re falling asleep faster, and they’re spending less time lying in bed watching TV or reading. Even small adjustments—like lowering the bedroom temperature to 66–68 degrees or using a heating pad to ease chronic pain—are making a noticeable difference. It’s exciting to watch these simple habits, combined with the Oura Ring data and weekly coaching, translate into better sleep and better nights overall.” — Rhonda Winegar
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About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.