In the hope of making sleep a higher priority for students, the Brigham Young University Department of Health Science and the Health Science Association student club will come together to host Sleep Awareness Week on campus March 5-9.
The organizers of the event hope students will come away from the week with a desire to improve their sleep health and attitudes.
“Students are pulled in so many different directions, and when something has to give, it’s usually sleep,” said Stephanie Fugal, part-time instructor in the Department of Health Science. “We look at it from the short-term perspective, but research proves that lack of sleep results in long-term adverse health effects. We want to give students the power to make good decisions and have overall healthier bodies.”
The events will run as follows:
- Monday, March 5
The week will begin with a Family Home Evening activity at 7 p.m. in the Wilkinson Student Center Terrace, where the lesson will focus on the importance of sleep and gospel perspectives. Attendees will then participate in relay games and trivia.
- Tuesday, March 6
Students will put their sleep IQ to the test with a trivia game, to take place from noon to 1 p.m. in the Terrace.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. students will be able to indulge in "cat naps," complete with cots, chairs and relaxing music in 3220 Wilkinson Student Center.
- Wednesday, March 7
The event’s keynote speaker, Christopher R. Jones, director of the Sleep~Wake Center at the University of Utah, will highlight a brown bag lunch from noon to 1 p.m. in 3222 WSC. His topic will be “Healthy Sleep Behaviors for College Students.”
A public service announcement contest, featuring 30-second commercials submitted by students, will start at 7 p.m. in the Varsity Theatre.
- Thursday, March 8
Sleepy students will find a comfortable respite from classes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as the event hosts “cat naps,” complete with cots, chairs and relaxing music, in 5538 WSC.
- Friday, March 9
Crash test dummies, a car-crash simulator, games and a dance are on the agenda for the last day of the event. Brigham Square will be filled with displays and educational information about the importance of sleep throughout the day.
A student dance will take place from 7:30-11 p.m. in the Knight Magnum Building Ballroom. Admission is $1 with student ID and $2 without.
For more information, contact Stephanie Fugal at (801) 422-3343.
Writer: Elizabeth Kasper
