by Jean Polichino,
OTR, MS, FAOTA
Senior Director,
School-Based Therapy Services, Harris County Dept. of
Education
When you observe a student just “going through the
motions” at school, have you ever wondered whether lack of sufficient sleep
might be a contributing factor? Research seems to indicate that sleep
facilitates working memory. Studies have shown a link between sleep deprivation
and diminished performance of abstract and complex tasks. Sleep disorders are
associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, medical disorders (e.g., asthma,
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, cancer) and with emotional and behavioral
difficulties, including depression, anxiety, aggression, conduct disorders and
addiction. Sleep problems are often present in children with intellectual
disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum
disorders, making learning even more of a challenge.
The BEARS Screening
Assessment is a simple and efficient 5-item questionnaire for parents or
children. The BEAR covers Bed time issues, Excessive daytime
sleepiness, night Awakenings, Regularity and duration of sleep and
Snoring (the emboldened letters make up the BEARS acronym). The interview
process provides for “teachable moments” for parents and students on the
importance of establishing predictable sleep routines and modifying environments
so that diet, noise, light, temperature and technology use are compatible with
restful sleep. Suggestions for pre-bedtime relaxation such as yoga and
meditation may also be helpful. Should a sleep disorder be suspected, therapists
are encouraged to refer parents to
the student’s physician for further investigation.
American Occupational Therapy Association (2012). AOTA Fact
Sheet: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Sleep. Bethesda, MD: American
Occupational Therapy Association.
Buckhalt,
J. A. (2013). Sleep and cognitive functioning in children with disabilities.
Exceptional Children,
79. 4. Arlington, VA: Council
for Exceptional Children. 391-405.
Owens, J. A., & Dalzell, v. (2005). Use of the BEARS sleep
screening tool in a pediatric residents’ continuity clinic: A pilot study.
Sleep Medicine, 6, 63-69. Doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2004.07.015.
8/8/2014
