The Worcester chapter of Sweet Dreamzzz Inc., led by Holy Cross senior Christina Kyriakos, was recently highlighted by the Telegram and Gazette. The Michigan-based non-profit program teaches children how to prepare for a good night’s sleep through healthy eating, activities and bedtime routines.
Amy Wolfson, professor of psychology at the College, has researched sleep with Kyriakos and serves as an advisor to the Worcester chapter. Their research shows sleep’s effects on academics, weight gain, emotional well-being, immune systems and injury.
Kyriakos organized the Worcester chapter pilot program, the first program outside of Michigan. Last week, this new chapter presented an interactive 45-minute program on the benefits of getting a good night's sleep to students at Worcester's Vernon Hill Elementary School. Each child was supplied with a sleep kit containing a sleeping bag, nightshirt, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, book, crayons and a stuffed animal. “It’s a nice pulling together of academic interest research and the local community,” said Wolfson. “That’s what makes it special.”
This "Holy Cross in the News" item by Thomas Van Grinsven '11.
