Sleep and circadian rhythm: The occupational therapy role (April 11, 2023)

No matter what field we work in all of our client's health is affected by their sleep and circadian rhythm. Whether we understand it well or not, sleep is one of the foundational biological supports for human health and functioning, and it is unhelpful for either us or our clients to disregard sleep. Occupational therapists are in a unique position to be able to help clients to improve their sleep and their circadian entrainment, by considering individual and occupational factors, as well as environmental context. Understanding how sleep drive, and circadian rhythm influence sleep and sleep patterns, is core knowledge. This knowledge can to enable occupational therapists to adapt their existing skills to working with clients on improving their sleep, and also to consider sleep and sleep related behaviours when intervening with another focus (such as other occupational goals or safe hospital discharge planning).

This webinar will cover the basics of normal sleep, sleep pressure, circadian regulation of sleep, and individual differences in sleep physiology across the lifespan and between individuals (including chronotype). There will be a special focus on the environmental context and environmental adaptation in relation to sleep, particularly light exposure. This webinar will also cover how occupational routine can help or hinder sleep, including type, amount, and timing of activities, as well as how to identify different types of sleep disorders and a summary of the main evidence-based treatments.  

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Identify different sleep disorders.
2. Consider the impact of environmental context and occupation on sleep.
3. Identify the relevance of addressing sleep for clients in your particular specialism.

Level 
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)