Better Sleep, Better Days: How Occupational Therapy Supports Healthy Sleep Routines

We all know how it feels to wake up groggy, restless, or drained. But when poor sleep becomes a pattern, it doesn’t just affect how you feel—it impacts your mood, memory, energy, and ability to function day-to-day.

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, our occupational therapists work with children, teens, and adults to improve sleep hygiene, create sustainable routines, and address barriers to restful sleep—especially for clients living with disability, mental health conditions, or sensory sensitivities.

In this blog, we’ll explore what sleep hygiene means, how it affects health and independence, and how OT can help you or your loved one finally get a better night’s rest.

What Is Sleep Hygiene?

Sleep hygiene refers to the habits, routines, and environments that support healthy, restful sleep. Just like brushing your teeth helps prevent cavities, good sleep hygiene helps your body fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake feeling refreshed.

Poor sleep hygiene might involve:

• Irregular sleep/wake times

• Screen use before bed

• Too much stimulation in the evening

• Noise, light, or temperature discomfort

• Anxiety or overthinking at bedtime

Why Sleep Is an OT Focus Area

Occupational therapists support people to live meaningful lives—and sleep is essential to daily function. When sleep suffers, so can:

• Emotional regulation

• Concentration and memory

• Participation in school, work, or community

• Motivation and mental health

• Physical recovery and immune health

Sleep is a foundational occupation, and improving it can transform how clients experience the rest of their day.

Who Can Benefit From Sleep Support?

Sleep hygiene OT is helpful for:

• Children and teens with autism, ADHD, or anxiety

• Adults with sensory sensitivities, chronic pain, or mental health conditions

• Carers and parents struggling with bedtime routines or sleep disruptions

• Clients with NDIS funding for Improved Daily Living or Psychosocial Support

• People navigating routine changes, shift work, or medication side effects

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Our occupational therapists support sleep in practical, personalised ways.

1. Understand Your Current Routine

We map out what happens during the day and evening, and identify patterns that might be interfering with sleep.

2. Create a Calming Wind-Down Routine

We help you:

• Reduce stimulation in the hour before bed

• Build predictability through visuals or alarms

• Use sensory tools like weighted blankets, deep pressure, or fidget tools

3. Modify the Sleep Environment

We explore ways to improve comfort and reduce disruption, such as:

• Blackout curtains or soft lighting

• Sound machines or earplugs

• Cooling sheets or breathable bedding

• Decluttering or sensory-friendly design

4. Build Healthy Habits During the Day

Good sleep starts with good daytime habits:

• Exposure to natural light in the morning

• Regular meals and movement breaks

• Limiting caffeine, naps, and overstimulation in the afternoon

5. Manage Anxiety Around Sleep

We teach strategies like:

• Body scans or breathing exercises

• Journaling, drawing, or using “worry time” earlier in the day

• Visual schedules to build security and routine

Sleep and the NDIS

Sleep difficulties can be addressed through OT under:

• Improved Daily Living

• Psychosocial Recovery Coaching

• Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)

  
  

  We provide clear documentation, progress reports, and practical support plans that align with your NDIS goals.

Better Sleep Starts Here

If you or your loved one is struggling with sleep, know that you’re not alone—and that small changes can lead to big improvements. Our occupational therapists are here to help you reset routines, trial strategies, and build better nights (and brighter mornings).

Join our waitlist today to book a sleep support session or speak with our team.