Wapngusultieg ("we sleep until dawn")

Poor sleep quality and quantity are linked to health (e.g., physical and mental), cognitive functioning, relational difficulties, and work performance. A national report of FN (First Nations) adults living on-reserve or in northern communities has reported that they perceive sleep as the most critical health factor (First Nations Regional Health Survey [FNRHS], 2012; 2018). Little is known about sleep in Indigenous populations, including their views on sleep, the importance of sleep, sleep problems, and culturally appropriate sleep interventions. As such, more is needed about these impacts and interventions among Indigenous adults living in colonial countries (i.e., Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand). 

The first project is a comprehensive JBI (Johanna Briggs Institute) scoping review. This review will aim to understand better sleep, sleep health, and barriers and facilitators to sleep intervention among Indigenous peoples living in colonial countries (Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand). 

The second project, in partnership with communities (e.g., Membertou First Nation) and likely other organizations (e.g., Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Centre), is a series of learning circles with urban and rural Indigenous adults. These circles will aim to understand better sleep, sleep health, sleep problems, and barriers and facilitators to sleep intervention among Indigenous adults within a holistic health framework (e.g., the interplay between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. 

The third project will be based on Peter Morville's User Experience Honeycomb Framework. Jocelyn will conduct a usability study using the Better Nights, Better Days-Adult version among Indigenous adults. For this study, participants who participated in the focus groups will be invited to use the Better Nights, Better Days-Adult version and then to participate in phone interviews about the program's acceptability.