Pillar4 Media Internship Projects
Explore a selection of my contributions to Pillar4 Media as a News Editorial Intern for its affiliate company, Sleepopolis. Through extensive interviews with medical experts and in depth research into emerging sleep trends and information, I curated 4 to 5 articles per week on diverse topics within the realm of sleep.
Should You Limit Your Child’s Nap Time? New Study Shows Naps Reflect Baby’s Cognitive Function
This article explores the impact of nap times on infants' cognitive development, citing a study from the University of East Anglia. For this article, I had to understand and break down this research study, which revealed that babies needing more naps may exhibit slower cognitive skills. I interviewed Courtney Zentz from Tiny Transitions Sleep Consulting, who stressed the importance of proper sleep and cautioned against overstimulation and irregular sleep patterns. The article highlights the significance of consistent sleep routines for babies' overall well-being.
Kristen Bell’s Bedroom Color Gets The Thumbs Up By Sleep Experts — Here’s Why
This article explores how bedroom color schemes can impact relaxation and promote better sleep, with actress Kristen Bell's preferences as a focal point. I gathered expert insights from Lauri Leadley, Founder & President at Valley Sleep Center, who suggested that soft, cool colors like blue and green can calm the mind and body. Leadley advised against using loud colors such as red, orange, and yellow, which can stimulate the brain rather than relax it. Additionally, Leadley recommended comfortable bedding, soothing scents like lavender, and a well-organized sleep space to facilitate peaceful sleep. The article encourages readers to redecorate their bedrooms to optimize relaxation and sleep quality.
How Could Getting Less Sleep Actually Put You In a Better Mood? New Study Explains
For this article, I wrote about a study suggesting that sleep deprivation might alleviate depression. Conducted by Philip Gehrman from the University of Pennsylvania, the study involved participants with and without depression. Results showed that sleep deprivation positively affected mood in 43% of depressed individuals. Brain imaging revealed improved communication between specific brain regions associated with mood regulation. To strengthen this piece, I interviewed Bayu Prihandito, CEO of Life Architekture, who cautioned that while sleep deprivation could offer temporary relief, it comes with risks like decreased attention and memory. Prihandito emphasized the importance of individualized treatment and consulting professionals before attempting sleep deprivation therapy.
The article delves into sleep talking, prompted by my research into recent sleep trends. During this exploration, I came across TikToker Sabrina Lod, who recorded herself speaking in her "work voice" while asleep, constructing coherent sentences with her customer service voice. I discuss whether this occurrence is common and if it signifies something significant. To gain more professional insight, I interviewed Dr. Mary Covey, a psychologist, who suggested that what we think about before sleeping can influence our dreams and sleep talking. She advised techniques to detach from work before bedtime, such as imagining pleasant scenarios or practicing progressive muscle relaxation. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing work-related stress affecting sleep.
This article aims to introduce and explore a new trend on TikTok where users share their morning routines starting as early as 5 a.m., also known as the "5-9" routine. It highlights the lifestyle of a popular content creator, Avery Lauren, who showcases her productive morning routine before heading to work. the article discusses the potential health benefits and challenges of waking up early, consulting a sleep expert for insights. The expert suggests that aligning with natural circadian rhythms by waking up early can lead to better sleep quality and increased alertness during the day. However, adjusting to this schedule may initially induce fatigue and sleep deprivation, requiring patience and proper bedtime adjustments.
The purpose of this article is to explore the phenomenon surrounding the Pokémon Sleep app, which has gained significant attention on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok. The article highlights users' positive experiences with the app, noting how it gamifies sleep by monitoring sleep behaviors and offering rewards for improved sleep. This article provides balanced perspectives by including varying insights from medical experts, from skepticism towards the app to its benefits. Dr. Fadi Swaida emphasized the detrimental effects of electronic devices on sleep and questions the effectiveness of gamifying sleep without providing adequate guidance for improving sleep habits. Additionally, he warned about the competitive aspect of the app potentially causing stress and hindering relaxation before bedtime. On the other hand, Stephanie Wright acknowledged the potential benefits of sleep-tracking apps but highlighted concerns about the feedback mechanism fostering anxiety and negative emotions. She also discussed issues regarding the physical placement of smartphones near the pillow, which may disrupt sleep due to the temptation to use the device and the exposure to artificial light, which inhibits melatonin production.
TikTok Production
Throughout my internship, I was tasked with generating content for the Sleepopolis TikTok page. Here are a few TikToks that I am most proud of having garnered significant engagement during my time there!
After writing an article about this subject and interviewing experts, I aimed to adapt the material for TikTok to encourage followers of the brand to interact with it across various platforms. This lead to high engagement and positive reactions from the accounts over 5,000 followers.
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Views: 107.1K
Likes: 2,774
Comments: 90
Saves: 485
Shares: 30
For this TikTok, I incorporated a clip from a viral content creator who asserted that sleeping with a pillow between your legs can increase height. To verify this claim, I shared insights from a chiropractor I interviewed. Additionally, I published an article on the Sleepopolis website covering the same subject matter.
Views: 8,004
Likes: 144
Comments: 6
Saves: 30
Shares: 5
In the realm of health, debates often arise regarding the optimal sleeping position. Following the publication of my article addressing this topic, I chose to bring the insights to TikTok, sharing expert advice gained from research and conversations with a sleep specialist.
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Views: 4,042
Likes: 39
Comments: 3
Saves: 6
Shares: 4
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