Occupational Therapy in a Different Kind of Health Setting...

Hi Readers:

This week I want to talk about an area in health that occupational therapist can work in that many people do not realize. Sleep is an area in the medical field that many people look past, but is essential to a healthy life. Occupational therapy connects with sleep because, if an individual is struggling to sleep or does not get enough sleep, they do not have the energy or the ability to perform everyday tasks (AOTA).

There are over 80 sleep disorders which effect peoples’ daily lives, and that is why we have occupational therapists! Because there is a large range of disorders, the OT can work with a variety of different patient types. Some patients OT help with sleep disorders are ones with an autism spectrum disorder. The OT assists the patient and their families in creating routines, habits and patterns when it’s time for bed (AOTA). If the OT is working with a patient that struggles to relax around this time, they can help them with calming exercises. Another simple way an OT helps patients with sleep, is just to perform more physical and vigorous activities with them to ensure sleep. Occupational therapists can also be involved in the diagnosis or assessment process for patients. There are many factors that contribute to sleep disorders or sleep deprivation and the OTs have to determine what they are in order to correctly treat them.

In general, sleep is a part of daily life and essential to our health, but many people look past it because of their busy lives. Some people struggle with sleep and do not have a choice in the matter. Sleep effects how we live our lives and how we perform everyday tasks. This is directly linked to occupational therapy and why we have professionals in this field. I hope I provided you with new information on how an OT can assist in sleep!

Thanks for reading,

Megan

References:

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2012). Occupational therapy's role in sleep. Retrieved from http://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/HW/Facts/sleep.pdf