Manisha Sheth, OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor, West Coast University, Center for Graduate Studies
Los Angles, California
Heather Thomas, PhD, OTR/L
Professor, West Coast University, Center for Graduate Studies
Los Angles, California
Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)
Abstract
About 40% to 70% of older adults have problems sleeping, which can result in social isolation, decline in function, increased risk of falling, impaired cognitive function, and increased morbidity and mortality (Leland et al., 2014). Sleep and rest are recognized as core occupations in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (3rd ed.; American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014). Many occupational therapy clients with specific physical or mental illnesses or living certain lifestyles are at risk of a sleep disorder that threatens their health and quality of life. Occupational therapy practitioners are well positioned to provide insights into how illness, environments, habits, routines, and psychosocial factors can affect sleep.
The purpose of this article is to identify the occupational contexts of sleep, describe the effects of sleep deprivation on occupational performance and participation, provide information about evaluating sleep using standardized and non-standardized assessments, and describe specific intervention strategies to address sleep. Although this article focuses on occupational therapy management in the context of the older adult population, much of the information discussed is useful for clients throughout the life span.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the various client factors, performance patterns, contexts, and environments that contribute to sleep deprivation
2. Describe the effects of sleep deprivation on occupation and participation
3. Discuss the evaluation process and interventions to address sleep deprivation
4. Articulate occupational therapy’s distinct role in treating sleep deprivation
Learning Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy
Assistants
Content Focus: Domain: Sleep; OT Process: Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Interventions
Reference Information:
Sheth, Manisha, OTD, OTR/L
Thomas, Heather, PHD, OTR/L
(CEA March 2019) Managing Sleep Deprivation in Older Adults: A Role for Occupational Therapy
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