Experimental Study of Self-Help Techniques for University Students’ Difficulties in Sleeping Because Their Minds Are Too Active at Bedtime

This research case features experimental research that tests different self-help techniques for university students’ difficulties in sleeping when their minds are too active at bedtime. The case gives a behind-the-scenes look at some of the decisions involved in planning and carrying out the research. It highlights issues related to recruiting a sample, choosing techniques and measures, controlling for confounds, and running research online versus face-to-face. It discusses pros and cons of different research options. It discloses some practical problems that can arise in conducting a study and offers possible solutions to these problems.