Cary Spice

Interrelation Between Sleep and Dimensions of Wellness

Submitted to Katie Dillon for The Science and Theory of Health and Wellness (HLTH-101)

Summary:

The presented project provides a brief overview of the interrelation between sleep and dimensions of wellness. Specifically highlighted is how internal and external factors can create stress that impacts the ability to obtain adequate healthy sleep. Focus is also lent towards developing positive cognitive behaviors that improve sleep.

General Education Connections

• Communicate ideas in written, oral and other modes as appropriate to a situation and audience
• Employ various thinking strategies to develop well-reasoned judgments
• Evaluate sources of information for accuracy, relevance and reliability
• Use technology tools to manage, integrate and evaluate digital information
• Cultivate intellectual and ethical practices that promote the wellness of self, community and environment 

The greatest challenge with any type of research is maintaining effective time management. The quality of reference materials available for the topic of sleep varies greatly with respect to suitability and relevance. Evaluating the myriad of sources could have easily become time-consuming and excessive to the level of waste: time that could be used to obtain more sleep. By identifying a core concept and establishing a general goal at the beginning of the project, information was reviewed and selected more effectively. As appropriately relevant information was selected, the generalized goal became more defined. The same principle applied to converting collected information into a presentable format to share with others, in this instance from text to video.

Challenges

The major challenge faced completing this assignment was utilizing an unfamiliar software program. The new MacBook received a week prior to the assignment due date came preloaded with Final Cut Pro (FCP) video editing software. Having never created/edited video content before, the empty event page presented upon first opening FCP was mildly intimidating. Thanks to content available on the internet, primarily YouTube, several tutorials were watched to gain a basic understanding of the FCP workflow process. After four days of trial and error a video was created. The positive feedback received from classmates and the course instructor indicate a successful effort.

Application

As a biological function that can encompass a third of the average human life span, sleep is a fascinating topic. As a human who does not experience consistent periods of restorative slumber, the topic of sleep is of great personal interest. Thus, the selection of sleep as a signature topic serves dual purposes. Researching sleep’s interrelation to dimensions of health and wellness enabled completion of a course requirement while simultaneously providing a beneficial level of edification. The information gained has aided in modifying some personal behaviors that were detrimental to obtaining quality periods of sleep.