OPTICARE-RESSTBehavioral Intervention for Sleep and Stress in Cardiac Rehabilitation

This study is focused on improving the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs for individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). CR programs are designed to help patients prevent further heart issues by encouraging a healthy lifestyle, which can improve life quality and reduce hospital visits. However, current programs often overlook the importance of managing sleep and stress, which affect more than half of CVD patients and are linked to poor heart health and lower quality of life. This study aims to test whether adding a behavioral treatment focused on sleep and stress can lead to better sleep, reduced stress, and overall improved health outcomes for these patients. Participants in this study will be split into two groups, each consisting of 100 patients. One group will follow the standard CR program, while the other group will receive additional support through the RESST intervention. This involves 5-6 group sessions that incorporate techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, specifically targeting improvements in sleep and stress management. The study will measure both the quality of sleep and levels of stress reported by participants, along with other health indicators like quality of life, physical health markers, and overall well-being. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention and will include a follow-up check six months later to evaluate the long-term benefits.