Occupational therapy practice for sleep disorders in children: a South African perspective.

Introduction: The restorative occupation of sleep has been related to appropriate development and occupational performance in a child's routine and functioning. Intervention for sleep disorders among children with neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic conditions is offered by a small number of oc...

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Publicado en:South African Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol. 56; no. 1; pp. 1 - 12
Autores principales: Myburgha, Alicia, Franzsen, Denise, Silaule, Olindah
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa Apr2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Apr2026
      vid: 56
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      pub: Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa
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        10.17159/2310-3833/2026/vol26a5
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        atl: Occupational therapy practice for sleep disorders in children: a South African perspective.
      aug:
        au:
          Myburgha, Alicia
          Franzsen, Denise
          Silaule, Olindah
        affil: EasyOT Private Practice, 3159 Nechako Drive, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
      sug:
        subj:
          Sleep Disorders Therapy
          Occupational Therapy Practice South Africa
          Professional Knowledge Evaluation
          Occupational Therapists
          Human
          South Africa
          Female
          Male
          Child
          Quantitative Studies
          Descriptive Research
          Cross Sectional Studies
          Survey Research
          Questionnaires
          Nonprobability Sample
          Convenience Sample
          Health Literacy
          Pain
          Job Experience
          Children with Disabilities
          Nervous System Diseases
          International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health
          Comorbidity
          Patient Assessment
          Occupational Therapy
          Data Analysis Software
          Descriptive Statistics
          Child: 6-12 years
          Female
          Male
      ab: Introduction: The restorative occupation of sleep has been related to appropriate development and occupational performance in a child's routine and functioning. Intervention for sleep disorders among children with neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic conditions is offered by a small number of occupational therapists, even though the link between body function deficits, the environment and participation in sleep is well understood and described in occupational therapy models and frameworks. This study aimed to describe knowledge and training of occupational therapists as well as current occupational therapy practice for sleep interventions for children. Method: A cross-sectional electronic questionnaire based on the Occupational Therapy Health Literacy Skills for Pain and/or Sleep Disorder Survey was used to collect data from South African occupational therapists treating children. Results: Only a third of the 114 respondents in the study provided intervention for sleep disorders for children. While most respondents were aware of non-standardised assessments and strategies that could be used for sleep interventions, these addressed person or body functioning rather than environmental modification and participation impacting sleep as an occupation. Lack of training was reported to be the greatest barrier to implementing sleep interventions with children. Conclusion: The lack of knowledge about standardised assessments and occupation-based treatment for sleep disorders in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic conditions amongst South African occupational therapists impacts the implementation of sleep interventions defined scope of practice of occupational therapists. This is consistent with international trends in this field of practice. Implications for Practice * Theory and knowledge concerning the occupational performance domain of sleep and sleep interventions should be included in undergraduate and postgraduate training. * Awareness of and competence in the use of standardised assessment tools and treatment programmes to use in occupational therapy sleep intervention need to be increased * Research specific to sleep in the various South African cultures and practices needs to provide reliable evidence to inform occupational therapy sleep intervention with children.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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