Sleep Management within Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Practice Survey

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sleep Medicine
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Sleep disturbances are prevalent among residents in skilled nursing facilities, impacting their overall health and well-being.
• Occupational therapy practitioners acknowledge the critical role of sleep in patient recovery and daily functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current practice patterns of occupational therapy practitioners regarding sleep management in skilled nursing facilities.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to implementing effective sleep interventions.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted with 105 occupational therapy practitioners.
• The survey assessed screening, assessment, treatment, and documentation of sleep issues, as well as the use of standardized tools and evidence-based interventions.

Main Results:

• While practitioners view sleep as essential, a majority do not routinely screen, assess, treat, or document sleep problems.
• There is a noted lack of utilization of standardized sleep assessments and evidence-based interventions among practitioners.
• Common client-reported sleep issues include inadequate sleep, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty staying asleep.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy practitioners require enhanced training and education in sleep management strategies.
• Developing advocacy skills is crucial for promoting the occupational therapy's role in addressing sleep in skilled nursing facilities.
• Integrating standardized assessments and evidence-based interventions is necessary to improve sleep outcomes for residents.