A scoping review of sleep management as an occupational therapy intervention: expanding a niche area of practice in mental health

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the existing literature on sleep-related interventions and confirm the intervention methods and their effectiveness led by occupational therapists. Design/methodology/approach – All the relevant literature published from 2010 to June 31, 2022, in five prominent databases were searched using the five-stage review framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Findings – In this review, four types of sleep-related interventions were led by occupational therapists (tool use, exercise program, sleep education and occupational-based program). When the intervention was analyzed based on its content, occupational therapists demonstrated excellent ability in interventions based on sensory intervention and lifestyle redesign. Originality/value – Various factors cause sleep problems; hence, the development of individualized and extensive occupational therapy intervention methods is required.

Keywords

• Lifestyle redesign
• Occupational therapy
• Sensory-based intervention
• Sleep
• Scoping review