Knowledge and attitudes of physiotherapists toward sleep: A survey study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sleep has been considered as a critical brain state that affects various body functions relevant to physiotherapy (PTs) practice such as motor learning and relearning, pain management, and cognitive function. Despite the importance of sleep for successful rehabilitation outcomes, sleep is often overlooked by PTs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the attitude and perception of PTs on the need to assess sleep and provide education about sleep for their patients, as well as the perceived need for PTs to be educated on sleep topics. METHODS: A survey questionnaire to assess physical therapist’s perceptions and attitudes about sleep was utilized in this study. RESULTS: 90 PTs fill out the survey. All respondents agreed that poor sleep is important to people’s health, 93% agreed that PTs should assess patients’ sleep habits and sleep quality and 88% agreed that addressing sleep issues may impact PTs outcomes. The majority did not receive education about sleep during PT education (75%) or following graduation (86%). Most respondents (95%) think PTs should receive education about sleep. CONCLUSIONS: our findings indicated that PTs recognize that sleep impacts their outcomes and patients’ sleep should be assessed, as well as the need to receive education about sleep. Therefore, PT education programs may consider incorporating education about sleep, and the development of continuing education courses is also needed.