Pre-sleep routines in adult typical sleepers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sleep is the most important restorative occupation in which humans engage and pre-sleep routines, which occur prior to it, have not been explored. The main question this project sought to answer was: “What are the pre-sleep routines of typical adult sleepers?” Sixteen adults identified as good sleepers based on scores from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, between 23 and 60 years-old, drew pictures of their pre-sleep routines, followed by interviews about their depictions. Data analysis began after the first interview and continued through theoretical saturation, producing a descriptive theory of pre-sleep routines. During the pre-sleep period, participants performed an average of eight occupations in three to four spaces, using an average of five objects, and primarily in solitude. Routines had a clear beginning and end, and were both obligatory and optional. Occupations within the pre-sleep routine included body care, care for home, pets, or plants, engagement with technology, quiet leisure, and communicating with others. The intent of the pre-sleep routines was to ensure that sleep was not disturbed and to prepare for the next day. The construct of routines is important to the understanding of daily patterns of human occupation and is used as an intervention in occupational therapy, the primary profession applying the products of occupational science. This research describes usual routines before sleep, thus contributing to a fuller grasp of daily occupational patterns with potential for supporting sleep in adults with and without sleep issues. Drawings were found to be a useful method to collect information on routines.