The role of occupational therapy for sleep problems: research on therapist perspectives, and client experiences and preferences: College of Occupational Therapy Conference 2017

Sleep is crucial to human health and functioning, and is significant within our daily routine, however sleep has historically been neglected by occupational therapists (Green & Brown 2015; Fung et al. 2013). This presentation focuses on mental health research, but has relevance for many other areas.Focus groups were used to explore occupational therapists perspectives on their role in addressing sleep in mental health settings. Findings discussed include opportunities to use existing skills, and barriers to addressing sleep, such as client motivation, environmental barriers, and lack of training and confidence (Faulkner & Mairs 2015).A systematic review regarding patient perspectives on sleep treatments (in populations with serious mental illness) highlights the lack of research attention to these patient perspectives, and describes patient preferences for personalised nonpharmacological intervention (Faulkner & Bee 2016).An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study exploring the perspectives, experiences, and preferences of people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders explores motivational barriers clients face regarding their sleep, and explains some of the ambivalence therapists can encounter. Findings emphasised the relevance of gaining a sense of control over sleep for adequate occupational and social functioning, and the importance of ‘whole lifestyle’ approaches, including consideration of daytime activity, when addressing sleep problems (Faulkner 2015).Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to improve nonpharmacological treatment of sleep problems, our existing ethos, skills and theories are highly relevant to the complex, interconnected and highly personal area of sleep. With further research, and increased education on sleep our profession can contribute significantly within this field.

References:Faulkner, S., 2015. Experiences and perspectives of people with psychotic illnesses in relation to sleep disturbance, and its assessment and treatment. (unpublished MRes thesis) The University of Manchester.Faulkner, S. & Bee, P., 2016. Perspectives on Sleep, Sleep Problems, and Their Treatment, in People with Serious Mental Illnesses: A Systematic Review. PLoS ONE, 11(9), p.e0163486.Faulkner, S. & Mairs, H., 2015. An exploration of the role of the occupational therapist in relation to sleep problems in mental health settings. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(8), pp.516–524.Fung, C., Wiseman-Hakes, C., Stergiou-Kita, M., Nguyen, M. & Colantonio, A., 2013. Time to wake up: bridging the gap between theory and practice for sleep in occupational therapy. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(8), pp.384–386.Green, A. & Brown, C., 2015. An Occupational Therapist’s Guide to Sleep and Sleep Problems, London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.