Kimberly Lloyd, OTD, OTR/L
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT
Associate Professor, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
Ellen Hudgins, OTD, OTR/L, ITOT
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT
Kristin Biggins, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CLT, PYT
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT
Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)
Abstract:
Decreased sleep quality of persons with dementia (PWD) is common, affecting not only the person diagnosed but also the caregivers, and it can contribute to placement of these individuals in assisted living facilities. Sleep seems to be a forgotten occupation, yet it is a core occupation essential to the health and well-being of all populations. Conservative or non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are often overlooked as viable solutions, and sleep in PWD is typically treated with tranquilizing drugs. Yet pharmacological treatments can increase confusion and increase the risk of falls. The intent of this article is to provide a summary of NPIs available for PWD and provide occupational therapy practitioners with additional treatment options for this population.
Learning Objectives:
1. Articulate the importance of addressing sleep in persons with dementia and their caregivers
2. Identify the effect of sleep quality disruptions in not only the person with dementia but also their caregivers
3. Discuss current evidence regarding non-pharmacological interventions for sleep in persons with dementia and their caregivers
4. Describe how occupational therapy can intervene to improve the occupation of sleep with persons with dementia and their caregivers
Learning Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Occupational Therapy Practitioners
Content Focus: Domain: Occupation of Sleep; OT Process: Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Interventions
Reference Information:
Lloyd, Kimberly, OTD, OTR/L; Hudgins, Ellen, OTD, OTR/L, ITOT; Biggins, Kristin OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CLT, PYT
(March 2020) Taking the Burden Out Of Sleep in Persons With Dementia and Their Caregivers
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