Pfeiffer, Ashley

•  DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 

• B.S., Exercise Science, University of Mary, Bismarck, ND

The project aims to generate valuable information in regard to implementing sleep behavior change through the use of technology in the community dwelling older adult population. My interest lies in exploring various sleep behavior change intervention strategies and this summer we plan to use a one-time educational video and automated text messaging to educate participants on sleep hygiene best practices. The students will assist with creating the video, finalizing the text messaging tips, recruiting participants, and initiating the study. With each participant they will also learn and subsequently teach the participant how to wear and use a FitBit device for sleep tracking. They will learn how to analyze the data, how to take blood pressure, heart rate, BMI, and administer sleep outcome questionnaires within the community dwelling older adult population.