Sleep is important to every aunt’s mental health.

Savvy Aunties know that we need our “beauty” rest. But while our beauty sleep is something many of us covet, it is also so important to our health, physically and mentally. Between a career, family obligations, our favorite late-night TV shows, and life’s unexpected twists, our sleep often suffers.

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), restful and adequate sleep provides the foundation for optimal occupational performance, participation, and engagement in daily life.

“Attention to the impact of sleep is incorporated into the repertoire of occupational therapists and addressed across the lifespan,” according to AOTA. As a public health crisis in the United States, sleep deprivation is known to have a heavy impact on families. Sometimes, moms and dads can’t always be superheroes, they’ll need help every now and again - and you Aunties can provide that help.

AOTA’s fact sheet on sleep, found here, reveals that occupational therapy interventions focus on promoting optimal sleep performance. These interventions include:

Preventing secondary conditions that may precipitate diminished sleep quality such as decreased range of motion, depression, or anxiety
You talk to your nieces and nephews a lot, but when’s the last time you talked, and really talked, to Mom and Dad? All may seem well, but maybe they’re just keeping their cool for the kids. Let them know that you care and are willing to listen.
 
Encouraging smoking cessation, reduced caffeine intake, a balanced diet, and adequate exercise
If you’re noticing sluggish behavior and dark circles around the eyes of Mom and Dad, maybe it’s time to step up to the plate, or better yet, dish up a plate! Offer to help out with making breakfast for your niece or nephew - that way, the parents have a few more minutes to sleep in.

Establishing predictable routines, including regular times for waking and sleeping
Set up a “bed-time” for Mom and Dad - at least for a little while until their energy is back up. They may be a little reluctant at first, but those few extra hours of sleeping will hopefully shake off the morning grumbles.

Managing pain and fatigue
Maybe it’s time Mom and Dad paid a visit to the doctor for once instead of the kids. Offer to babysit the little munchkins for a few hours while they’re out.

Increasing coping skills, stress management, and time management
Help the parents come up with a working schedule and volunteer to help out more if they’re really in a pinch. If you’re available, pick up the kids from school, or take them out to play in the park on a weekend. Let Mom and Dad enjoy a few quiet hours - after all, they deserve it.

Falling victim to sleep deprivation is, unfortunately, very common - and the aftereffects are none too pleasing. Help the parents avoid irritability and short tempers and impatience (oh my!) by volunteering some of your time - even if it’s just the small tasks, every little bit helps! Put on your capes, Aunties - you are coming to the rescue.

For more information about the importance of sleep and its effect on mental wellness, visit www.aota.org.

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.

Published: May 28, 2014