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

Presented by: Sophie Faulkner 

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)

Area of practice Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Brain Injury/Concussion/SCI, Caregiver/Family Education, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Pain, Cognition, Dementia, Equipment Assessments, Health Promotion and Wellness, home Assessment and Modification, Independent Living and Housing, Insurance Assessment, Medical-Legal Services, Mental Health, MVA Rehabilitation, Neurology, Older Adults, Palliative Care/End of Life Care, Pediatrics, Universal Design, Veterans Affairs or Armed Forces, Vision, Women’s Health, Workplace Health & Safety 

Client age group Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old) 

Language English

Please note that you will have access to the On-Demand Webinar for a period of one year or until the webinar expiry date listed in the CAOT Store, whichever is sooner.  The terminology used in this webinar is reflective of the CAOT Style Guide at time of the webinar.