Pictured above – Monica Champion adjusts pillow for her next session.
National Institutes of Health identifies ‘good’ sleep as necessary to improve brain function
Cookeville – Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) now offers occupational sleep therapy at the Cookeville Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation Center.
“Sleep plays such a vital role in how we function during the day that the American Occupational Therapy Association classifies sleep and rest as its own special area of occupation,” Monyca Champion, occupational therapist, certified hand therapist, certified health and wellness coach at CRMC.
The National Institutes of Health identifies ‘good’ sleep as necessary to improve brain function, mood and overall health, according to CRMC.
“If we have good sleep, we are more likely to perform more efficiently during the day,” said Champion.
Research studies show lack of quality sleep is linked to an increased risk for many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, depression and dementia.
“When a patient begins working with the occupational therapist at CRMC Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, they will explore not just their nighttime habits, but daytime habits and routines that may impact their lack of quality sleep,” said CRMC in a release. “After assessing symptoms and problems, the therapist will fine-tune a customized routine for them to have the best sleep hygiene possible.”
Champion says homing in on specific needs is paramount.
“Everyone is unique and individual. We want to use all the information we are collecting to specifically home in on their needs to address the problem,” said Champion.
Occupational therapy interventions that can help you navigate toward optimal sleep performance may include pain management techniques, cognitive behavioral techniques and stress management techniques.
There are four to eight sessions to determine how a patient responds to the changes in their sleep routine. The therapist will establish goals and measure the success.
“It has been a joy to watch people come and report that they are getting better sleep and feeling better and not having the issues they were having before and feeling productive again,” said Champion.
For more information or to discover the benefits of occupational sleep therapy at CRMC call 931-783-2900. A physician referral is required.
