A survey of physical therapists' perception and attitude about sleep

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the attitude and perception of physical therapists (PTs) on the perceived need to assess sleep of their patients and provide education about sleep to their patients, as well as to determine the perceived need for PTs to be educated on sleep topics.

Methods: An electronic survey was sent to internship site coordinators. Descriptive analyses and logistic regressions were conducted.

Results: The response rate was 28% (n=76). Most respondents (93%) agreed poor sleep is associated with impaired function. Eighty-two percent agreed that PTs should assess patients' sleep habits and sleep quality, and 95% agreed that addressing sleep issues may impact PT outcomes. The majority did not receive education about sleep during entry-level PT education (75%) or following graduation (86%). Most respondents (95%) thought PTs should receive education about sleep.

Conclusion: PTs recognize that sleep impacts outcomes, and patients' sleep should be assessed. However, PTs have not received education about sleep, although the majority thought PTs should receive education about sleep. Therefore, entry-level PT education programs may consider incorporating education about sleep, and the development of continuing education courses is also needed.

Figure 1

Percent of respondents who think various sleep topics should be taught in PT school, as continuing education, or should not be taught.

Figure 2

In the clinical experience of respondents who do routinely assess their patient’s sleep habits or quality (N=43 or 57% of respondents), the number of respondents who think individuals with various diagnoses typically have sleep issues.