Brett Neilson is a physical therapist and full time educator with Evidence in Motion and is completing his Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT) at Bellin College with a research focus on sleep health and pain. Katie Siengsukon is an associate professor in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science Department and Director of the Sleep, Health and Wellness Lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center. 

They discuss strategies and sleep hygiene interventions to incorporate sleep health into practice and why this is essential for physical therapists to discuss sleep health with their clients. 

The experts have pro and con viewpoints on using wearable technology for sleep. Pros include discussing sleep, behavior change, and use as a tool to improve sleep. Cons include accurate results/data, may increase anxiety from results, and patients interested in the data collected. 

In physical therapy research, there is a limited amount published on patient’s beliefs related to sleep if seeking therapy services for a musculoskeletal condition. 

According to the APTA, the House of Delegates’ position on sleep health states “supports collaboration to promote education, research, and practice between physical therapists and sleep medicine professionals to enhance the health and well-being of society.” This motion was proposed by the Washington and Kansas delegates. 

Check out Katie’s article in PTJ “Sleep Health Promotion: Practical Information for Physical Therapists.” 

PARTING SHOT

54:32 Recognize the role of the physical therapist that we can play in improving sleep health for our patients in the community.” - Brett Neilson

55:02 “If you are not sure where to start or have those conversations, there are a lot of great resources. Start having the conversation. That is the very best and the very first step,” - Katie Siengsukon