Understanding the Sleep Habits of Children Within an Indigenous Community

Abstract

This study was developed within the participatory research framework of a diabetes prevention project to understand the meaning of sleep and sleep habits of Indigenous preschool and elementary school children. Sleep deprivation is a known risk factor for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. A philosophical hermeneutic approach utilized interviews and focus groups with cultural knowledge holders, Elders, parents, teachers, and school administrators. The findings reflect how Indigenous community members understood sleep through the themes of traditional ways, changing times and concerns, increasing technology, generation gaps, parental responsibility, eating habits, physical activity, and children’s behaviours in school. After dissemination to the community, the findings were combined with traditional teachings and national recommendations to develop culture- and age-appropriate sleep-promoting educational materials for schools and the broader community.