TITLE:
Virtual Reality and Innovative Solutions for Real Sleep: A Review of Virtual Reality for Insomnia and Comparison of Viable Devices
AUTHORS:
Ravinder Jerath, Charvi Soni, Connor Beveridge, Michael Jensen
KEYWORDS:
Insomnia, Virtual Reality, Biofeedback, Stress, Breathwork, Pranayama, Sleep Hygiene
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.15 No.2,
April
25,
2025
ABSTRACT: The application of virtual reality (VR) has made its way into the healthcare field, however, its involvement in the management of insomnia has only recently started to be investigated. With VR applications showing benefits in multiple areas of health management, including for anxiety, PTSD and depression, the management of insomnia via virtual reality may also be beneficial. The prevalence and incidence of insomnia is extremely high, affecting billions across the world. A silent disease that many do not even realize they have, insomnia carves a pathway leading to further clinical consequences including anxiety and depression. Current treatment regimens for insomnia have skyrocketed the use of medications such as Valium, barbiturates and even over-the-counter melatonin, however, the effects these external substitutes have on the quality of sleep one receives are detrimental. Non-detrimental and natural treatments may include the regulation of breathing and mental imagery. VR devices may be useful by providing an immersive visual experience integrated with breathwork and specific imagery. In this article we review the current availability and applications of various virtual reality devices that may greatly aid in the natural management of insomnia around the world. The Meta Quest 3 was found to be the most appropriate commercially available product for VR insomnia management.