Günther, Max (2025) Targeted Memory Reactivation for Relaxation and Restful Sleep. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Sleep problems and stress are a widespread problem and closely linked, often reinforcing one another and leading to negative outcomes such as reduced cognitive performance and increased risk of psychological issues. Relaxation techniques like diaphragmatic breathing exercises (DBE) have been shown to alleviate stress and more rarely to improve sleep quality. This study investigated whether DBE could be combined with targeted memory reactivation (TMR), an emerging cognitive-enhancement technique applied during sleep, to reduce perceived stress and enhance sleep quality in a home setting. Fifteen participants completed a 12-day sleep diary tracking sleep quality and related qualitative variables. After three days, they began practicing daily DBE. From day four onward, TMR was applied during sleep using audio cues associated with the DBE. Perceived stress was measured before and after the intervention. Results showed a significant reduction in perceived stress following the intervention, while no significant change in sleep quality was observed after TMR began. As the first study to explore the interaction between DBE, TMR, stress, and sleep quality, this research adds to the still growing body of TMR research and finding practical ways to deal with stress and sleep quality issues through relaxation techniques. Keywords: sleep quality, perceived stress, diaphragmatic breathing exercises (DBE), targeted memory reactivation (TMR), stress reduction
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Vugt, M.K. van and Wischnewski, M. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Cognitive Psychology and Psychophysiology (CPP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Jul 2025 09:46 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Jul 2025 09:46 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5744 |
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