Wairua, sleep, and health: the important links between spirituality and sleep

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-14 03:00

New Zealand

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Most scientific framings of sleep 'problems' omit Māori perspectives on spirituality and wellbeing, but new research shows that including spiritual explanations of sleep phenomena would allow a more holistic approach to health. A Massey University team studied the links between wairua and sleep with nine Māori interviewees. The participants connected spiritual and physical states (taha wairua and taha kikokiko) to sleep and wakefulness respectively, as well as to one another. Through sleep and dreams they also gained spiritual guidance, opportunities to learn and prepare for future challenges, and a sense of stability, peace, and purpose. The researchers say that incorporating Indigenously informed models of sleep into clinical practise could help Māori in accessing healthcare.