Virtual Mindfulness and Breathing Training for Stress, Burnout, Sleep, and Cognition in Rotating-Shift Nurses

Launched by CHANG SHIH-CHIN · Jun 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises using mobile phones and virtual reality can help nurses who work rotating shifts feel less stressed and burned out, sleep better, and think more clearly. Nurses will be divided into four groups: one group will receive general health education, while the others will try different combinations of mindfulness and breathing exercises, some using virtual reality. The program lasts 8 weeks, with participants practicing for 10 minutes, five times a week.

To join, nurses need to be between 20 and 65 years old, work full-time with rotating shifts, and have a certain level of stress. They also need to understand Mandarin or Taiwanese and be willing to participate. Pregnant nurses, those with certain health conditions, or those using other therapies or medications related to mental health or sleep will not be eligible. If selected, participants can expect to use mobile apps or virtual reality devices regularly to practice simple exercises aimed at reducing stress and improving sleep and mental focus. This study hopes to find new, easy ways to support nurses’ well-being during challenging work schedules.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age between 20 and 65 years.
• • 2. Able to understand spoken or written Mandarin or Taiwanese.
• • 3. Employed full-time for at least 3 months with a signed employment contract.
• • 4. Has worked rotating shifts (including day, evening, and/or night shifts) in the past 3 months.
• • 5. Willing to participate and sign informed consent.
• • 6. Registered nurse.
• • 7. A perceived stress score greater than or equal to 50 based on a standardized scale.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
• • 2. History of substance abuse (e.g., tobacco, illicit drugs).
• • 3. Alcohol consumption ≥350 ml/week with alcohol content ≥3.5%.
• • 4. Diagnosed or suspected autonomic nervous system disorders.
• • 5. History of severe or unstable cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, or end-stage organ failure within the past 6 months.
• • 6. Current diagnosis of psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, schizophrenia), or use of psychiatric or sleep medications (e.g., antidepressants, sedatives).
• • 7. Reported discomfort (e.g., dizziness, nausea) when using virtual reality devices.
• • 8. Engaged in other regular exercise programs, light therapy, or mind-body interventions during the study period.
• • 9. Participating in other clinical trials simultaneously.