Sleep and Motor Learning Success: Why Quality Rest Matters for Recovery

One of the most crucial factors in rehabilitation success is sleep. Sleep is an active time of healing and restoration for your body.

During sleep, your body engages in crucial processes including tissue healing, immune system strengthening, and pain modulation. When sleep is disrupted, these processes are compromised, potentially slowing your recovery from injury or surgery.

Research shows that poor sleep quality can significantly impact therapy outcomes and impair overall recovery by increasing pain sensitivity, reducing learning ability, and decreasing physical function.

Practical Tips:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Create a relaxing bedtime routine

Set the room temperature to 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit

Avoid stimulants close to bedtime (i.e. caffeine or nicotine)

Decrease screen time an hour before bedtime

Exercise at appropriate times (not too close to bedtime)

Consider proper positioning for sleep to minimize pain

Your therapists can help assess your sleep quality and provide guidance on sleep positioning and habits that support your recovery. Don't hesitate to bring up sleep concerns during your therapy sessions – by prioritizing sleep alongside your therapy programs, you are giving your body the best chance for optimal recovery.

Research Highlights:

Christova, M., Aftenberger, H., Nardone, R., & Gallasch, E. (2018). Adult gross motor learning and sleep: Is there a mutual benefit? Neural Plasticity, 2018, Article PMC6110005. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3076986

Nijs, J., Mairesse, O., Neu, D., Leysen, L., Danneels, L., Cagnie, B., Meeus, M., Moens, M., Ickmans, K., & Goubert, D. (2018). Sleep disturbances in chronic pain: Neurobiology, assessment, and treatment in physical therapist practice. Physical Therapy, 98(5), 325-335. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzy020

Frange, C., Murray, B. J., & Coelho, F. M. S. (2023). The importance of sleep for successful neurorehabilitation after stroke. Sleep Science, 16(3), e335-e343. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1772805

Siengsukon CF, Al-dughmi M, Stevens S. Sleep Health Promotion: Practical Information for Physical Therapists. Phys Ther. 2017;97:826-836.

Disclaimer:

For more information, please consult with your healthcare provider.

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