Whole-Person Well-Being: The Daily Links Between Movement, Sleep, and Mental Health

A 2022 study published in iProceedings explores how everyday changes in physical activity and sleep are associated with moment-to-moment well-being. The study moves beyond isolated health metrics and into a dynamic, real-world understanding of what it means to support whole-person health.

Led by a multidisciplinary team including Dr. A. L. McGowan, Dr. Yoona Kang, Dr. Emily Falk, and others, the study reflects the kind of real-time, personalized well-being insights that inform Kumanu’s approach. Dr. Falk is on Kumanu’s Science Advisory Board.

Key Findings

• Daily movement boosts well-being: On days when individuals were more physically active, they reported greater positive emotion and lower negative emotion.
• Better sleep, better moods: Nights with better sleep quality were associated with higher day-to-day well-being.
• Interconnected rhythms: The study highlights how sleep, movement, and mood work together in reinforcing cycles—suggesting that even small daily improvements can drive a more resilient and positive mental state.

Relevance to Kumanu’s Mission

Kumanu’s Purposeful platform is rooted in the idea that well-being is multi-dimensional and deeply personal. This study reinforces our commitment to:

• Personalized well-being insights: Daily self-awareness and reflection can uncover meaningful patterns in health and emotion.
• Whole-person strategies: Lasting well-being comes from aligning purpose with habits that support mental, physical, and emotional health.
• Behavioral design for everyday life: By making small, intentional shifts each day, individuals can move closer to a life lived with purpose and balance.

Science That Supports Real-World Change

As part of a growing body of literature on the neuroscience and psychology of well-being, this study provides practical validation for Kumanu’s Wellbeing 3.0 vision. Whole-person health isn’t about perfection—it’s about pattern awareness, purpose alignment, and consistent support.

Read the full study here.