Week 3: Qualitative inquiry using semi-structured interviews to explore sleep disorders

Group Discussion and Topic Selection

In our third class meeting, we reviewed the findings from the expert interviews as a group. After a lively discussion, we decided to focus on the topic of sleep disorders. This decision was driven by our collective interest in the subject and the wealth of useful information gathered during the interviews.

Defining Our Target Population

Next, we identified our target population: adolescents to adults aged 16–60 who experience daily life stress. This demographic aligned well with the insights we wanted to explore and helped narrow the scope of our project.

Preparing for End-User Interviews

With our focus and target group established, our next step was to conduct semi-structured interviews with end-users. To prepare, we developed a set of questions designed to uncover habits and challenges related to sleep. Some examples include:

• Describe the process you go through in the evening before falling asleep.

• Do you have any bedtime habits or rituals? If so, share them.

• What factors prevent you from falling asleep?

• How do you feel when you wake up in the morning?

  
  

Conducting and Summarizing Interviews

Each team member conducted at least one interview, gathering valuable firsthand insights from individuals in our target population. After completing the interviews, we came together to summarize our findings into a single comprehensive document.

Key needs identified from end-users interviews

1. Establishing a Consistent Pre-Sleep Routine: Participants highlighted the importance of evening rituals for preparing the mind and body for sleep:

• Some individuals avoid screens, dim lights, or take melatonin to create a calming environment.

• Others prefer watching TV as a way to wind down before bed.

• Relaxation habits like preparing a glass of water, lying down calmly, or dedicating time for self-care are also popular.

  
  

2. Optimizing the Sleep Environment: The physical environment was a recurring theme, with participants emphasizing factors such as:

• The necessity of total darkness and silence for quality rest.

• Adding relaxing ambient sounds or videos to create a soothing atmosphere.

• Taking a shower late at night to feel clean and refreshed before sleeping.

  
  

3. Delaying the Alarm Clock: Participants discussed methods of waking up gradually or extending sleep time:

• Setting an earlier alarm just to enjoy the sensation of "extra sleep."

• Using snooze functions to ease into waking up more gently.

  
  

4. Ensuring Uninterrupted Sleep and Managing Night Awakenings: Coping strategies for mid-night interruptions and promoting deeper sleep included:

• Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and avoiding clock-checking to prevent stress.

• Reflecting on how tasks or deadlines for the following day disrupt falling asleep.

• Acknowledging the overall importance of sustained, high-quality sleep for a productive and enjoyable day.

  
  

Notable Quotes from Participants:

• “When I wake up, I need some light, like open blinds so I wont be in a total darkness.”

• “I need to hug something when I sleep, whether it’s a pillow or blanket, it makes me more comfortable.”

• “If I have something the next day, like a deadline or a major task, it really interferes with my sleep.”

• “On stressful days, I try to delay sleep by doing things that make me happy—it helps me mentally escape from tomorrow’s challenges.”

• “I have so many thoughts before bed, and it makes it hard to fall asleep.”

These findings, combined with our collaborative efforts, provide a strong foundation for advancing to the next phase of our project. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey! :)