The experience of sleep: A descriptive phenomenological study of Dutch adults

Sleep is a frequently mentioned topic in current occupational science and occupational therapy literature, indicating an increasing interest in this occupation. However, we found a lack of understanding of the sleep experience in the literature. In our study, we sought to explore the experience of sleep among a sample of adults living in the Netherlands. We used a qualitative research design following descriptive phenomenology methodology. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 13 adults (two males, 10 females, one nonbinary), transcribed verbatim, and analysed according to descriptive phenomenology. Findings indicate that sleep can be understood as a personal experience on physical, mental, and emotional levels under unique temporal, spatial, and sociocultural conditions. Participants described sleep as a tripartite process: (a) approaching sleep to finish the day, (b) being asleep and dreaming, and (c) leaving sleep behind for a new day. A core element of sleep is making a transition between 2 days, during which recovery and processing occur. Fundamental to engaging in sleep are the feelings of safety and security shaped by habits, routines, and adjustments to the social and physical context. Participants expressed a personal need for and personal meaning in this occupation, describing sleep as an intertwined experience affected by and affecting other occupations.