Māori perspectives on sleep and aging

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Indigenous Studies

Background:

• Sleep is crucial for older adults' health, yet ethnic disparities in sleep health exist.
• Culturally appropriate approaches to understanding sleep as a social experience are lacking, particularly for Indigenous populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore sleep as a social and cultural experience among older Māori and their whānau (extended family) in New Zealand.
• To identify culturally relevant themes related to sleep conceptualization, obligations, and support.

Main Methods:

• Conducted sleep-related group interviews using hui (group meetings and discussions) with eleven older Māori participants and their whānau.
• Analyzed collated notes thematically to identify key conversations and ideas.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: conceptualizing sleep (somatic and spiritual), changing obligations around sleep/wake, and barriers/facilitators to sleep support.
• Sleep among Māori is multifaceted, encompassing social and spiritual dimensions beyond typical Western medicalized models.
• Culturally relevant interpretations of sleep practices and disturbances were identified.

Conclusions:

• This research enhances the understanding of sleep as a social and cultural phenomenon within the New Zealand context.
• Findings provide a foundation for future participatory research to develop culturally appropriate sleep health assessments and support for aging well across diverse cultures.