Use of extended reality in sleep health, medicine, and research: a scoping review

Study Objectives
This scoping review explores the use of extended reality (virtual, augmented, and mixed reality) within sleep health, sleep medicine, and sleep research. It aims to provide insight into currents uses and implementation considerations whilst highlighting directions for future research

Methods
A systematic scoping review was undertaken informed by the PRISMA-ScR and Johanna Briggs Institute

Results
The use of virtual reality as a research tool in the investigation of areas such as dreaming, and memory reactivation is growing. Thirty-one articles were identified in total with 20 utilising virtual reality (VR) to improve sleep as a clinical intervention

Conclusions
Research exploring the utility of virtual reality as a clinical intervention in various patient populations and clinical settings is therefore warranted. Researchers and clinicians should ensure that extended reality interventions are developed based on clinical reasoning and informed by evidence of both sleep medicine and the effects of virtual and augmented reality. Where possible future research should utilise up to date technology and reporting frameworks to assist in the translation of research into clinical practice