Indigenous Youth Sleep Survey

Indigenous Youth Sleep Survey A project looking at sleep education and practices within Indigenous youth across Canada

This project was completed by Mitchell Mathieson through the Indigenous Youth Research Mentorship Program at Canadian Roots Exchange

Who Did We Survey?

Total Participants: Average Age: 24 122 62.5%

9.2%

1.7%

15%

Cis Woman

Cis Man

Trans Man

NonBinary

17.5%

2.5%

3.3%

5%

2-Spirit Agender Other Prefer not to Answer

50

25

Pe rs on

of

Ot he r

W hi te

Co lo ur

Bl ac k

M ét is

In ui t

0

Fi rs tN at io ns

% of Respondents

75

Sleep Health of Participants

Only 14% reported feeling well rested during the day

"not always the best quality"

"anxiety keeps me up"

Average Sleep: Weekday = 6-7 hours Weekend = 7-8 hours

56% take longer "exhausted mentally than 20min to and physically" fall asleep "I feel constantly restless"

>80%

feel like they are not getting enough sleep, and notice effects because of it

What helps you sleep?

white noise, smudging, relaxing, medications

"I have a hard time falling and What hinders your sleep? sustaining sleep" anxiety, noise, electronics

School & Sleep Knowledge

85%

94%

Are unsure, or think they did not learn enough about sleep from school

Think more emphasis should be placed on sleep within schools

# of Responses

How much have you learned about healthy sleep from school?

30 20 10 0

1

Nothing

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

A lot

Top Areas of Interest 1.

2.

3.

10

Building Healthy Sleep Hygiene Benefits of Healthy Sleep The Science Behind Healthy Sleep

Community & Sleep Knowledge

77%

Are unsure, or think they did not learn enough about sleep from their community

93%

Would potentially like to learn more about sleep from their community

# of Responses

How much have you learned about healthy sleep from your community?

20 15 10 5 0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Nothing "sleep was mostly associated with capacity to work" "connection between sleep and mental health"

10

A lot "we are taught from the Creator to respect ourselves" "get 8 hours"

School Suggestions Suggestions from youth for improving sleep education within the educational/school system

1. Removal of Sleep for Productivity Mentality a. Sleep should be for your health and well being, not to make you more productive b. Colonial "grind" mentality perpetuates this

2. Courses Specific for Sleep & Health a. Courses/units dedicated to sleep b. Including health benefits, building habits, and the science behind sleep

3. Support & Education for Mental Health a. Mental health is an ongoing issue for youth which impacts their sleep b. Supporting mental health will aim at improving root causes for sleep disruptions

Community Suggestions Suggestions from youth for improving sleep education within the community

1. Community Led Health Education Programs a. Many Indigenous youth would like to learn more about sleep from a cultural lens b. Community led workshops, infographics, or other supportive programs

2. Creating Space for Open Conversations a. Peer and support groups where youth and community can discuss ongoing health issues to find appropriate resolutions

3. Utilizing a Multiple Lens Approach a. Ensure that sleep education doesn't default to Western hustle culture b. Find ways to integrate and collaborate Traditional and Western practices

Final Statement We know how important sleep is for our health, but the attention that it is given does not reflect this.

The idolization of sleep as a means for productivity needs to stop, and replaced with teachings of sleep for personal health and well - being.

Indigenous youth know what is best for their own journey, their voices and ideas need to be heard and acted upon. The lethargic approach to sleep health has only allowed the issue to worsen, and will continue to worsen unless acted upon.

Plausible solutions have been provided both for community and educational standpoints. Local leadership, along with youth, can begin working to better understand how these suggestions can support their own youth and what else they may need.