Abstract:

This study explored the reported experience of renewal which arises from spending time in rest and sleep, as well as associated challenges. The author as well as 7 other participants entered into a process of heuristic inquiry on this topic. Participants included 4 females and 4 males (including the author). The ages ranged from 29 to 72. 6 of the participants were Caucasian, 1 was Hispanic, and 1 was African American. 4 of these were individuals who had already established sleep and rest as a priority in their lives for at least one year. The other 4 participants agreed to undergo a 6-week immersion period during which sleep and rest would be a priority in their lives. The findings suggested that although participants varied greatly on the degree to which they actually experienced renewal, participants were individually consistent in reporting the experience of renewal or reporting an absence of experiencing renewal. 3 participants reported valuing sleep and rest as a high priority in their lives and experiencing correspondingly high levels of satisfaction and renewal. 2 participants reported feeling chronically fatigued and high levels of guilt and anxiety associated with sleep and rest. Several lifestyle and environmental factors seemed to be associated with the experience of high renewal, including a vegan diet, regular exercise, a community and partnership which supported their resting and sleeping, and an ability to avoid stressful situations and environments. Implications for further research and increased medical and public awareness include the observation that the importance in getting adequate sleep and rest in maintaining health and a high level of life satisfaction appears to be underemphasized in this culture.