This introductory course is targeted to OTs working across all sectors (all conditions, all age groups). The aim of the course is to provide evidence-based information about sleep and circadian science, translated through the OT lens for practical and individualised application to all client settings.

This course will cover

· the importance of sleep and circadian health

· how sleep works, sleep disorders, general resources for sleep support

· practical approaches to sleep assessment in the home setting

· practical strategies to promote sleep in everyday living

· practical resources (information, equipment, people) that are fundamental to individualised sleep support, and safety

Using the ‘SleepLinks’ Sleep Comfort Map’ as a guide, we will cover assessment, information, and equipment resources for

· health and medical comfort

· activities and routines comfort

· sleep setting comfort

· thermal comfort

· sensory comfort

· social-emotional-communication comfort

· position and movement comfort

The course provides opportunity to learn why sleep and circadian health is a fundamental concern for all OTs, and how it is ‘all about everything’, our physical and mental health, activities, environments, personal factors. Client stories will be presented that illustrate the individualised and collaborative approach that underpins the OT approach to sleep support. Information will be provided about practical strategies and resources for contextual assessment and sleep support. There will be hands-on demonstration of equipment options to support sensory comfort, thermal comfort, body position support, mobility and safety for sleep. With the OT lens, there is opportunity to learn that ‘Comfort’ means, what is just right, for each person and their family or caregivers; and that ‘Safety’ is about their medical safety, physical safety and social-emotional safety.

About the presenter:

Sue McCabe (BSc, MSc, PhD) is the provider of SleepLinks occupational therapy service in Perth. She has worked as an occupational therapist for over 40 years in Perth, NT and the UK and has clinical background in rehabilitation, community and customised-equipment settings. She has worked with people of all ages with developmental, neurological, neuro-motor and musculo-skeletal conditions.

For 20+ years, her focus has been on sleep and circadian health. Sue has recognised the impact of poor sleep on the health, wellbeing and participation of people with disabilities, including physical and mental health conditions (and their families). Spending time learning about the complex and diverse factors of concern. Sue received a Churchill Fellowship in 2006, visiting UK and Canada to learn from expert clinicians and researchers. She completed PhD studies in 2019, with research focus on the multiple factors affecting sleep of children with cerebral palsy, and on understanding thermoregulation during sleep. Sue’s expertise and learning is most importantly through her contact with the 100s of clients and families, describing their unique sleep difficulties and the effects on their everyday lives. Her work is enhanced by ongoing collaboration with colleagues across Perth, Australia and internationally. Her particular passion is the importance

of strong sleep knowledge for OTs, within the context of circadian health, the 24-hour rhythms which are so fundamental to all aspects of mental and physical health, function and participation.