Sleep, Occupation and the Passage of Time

Abstract

This article explores the extent to which sleep has been considered in occupational therapy and occupational science and finds that the coverage of the subject is patchy: many authors do not mention it whereas some provide comprehensive and useful information. One reason for this variability could be that it is unclear whether sleep is an occupation and this question is debated. Although it is widely acknowledged that sleep is essential to the performance of daytime activity, most definitions of occupation and activity exclude sleep unless occupation is defined in the context of time use. A brief review of the social history of sleep and the timing of occupations suggests that modern life and the natural sleep-wake cycle might be out of synchrony. The science of sleep is explored and the factors necessary for initiating sleep are examined, with aspects of daily occupation being found to influence sleep. It is suggested that, given the range of conditions affecting sleep that are seen by occupational therapists, it may be helpful to have a better understanding of sleep and the measures that might improve it. Because sleep occupies so much time, research in occupational science is recommended.