Insomnia

Having insomnia means having trouble getting to sleep, or staying asleep.  Some HIV+ people report having trouble with insomnia, either because of their HIV medication or for reasons unrelated to HIV.  In either case, rehabilitation professionals can help. 

  • An occupational therapist can help improve your sleep in several ways1. 
    • Helping you find a schedule that promotes good sleep.
    • Suggesting changes to the sleeping space to encourage sleep, such as white noise machines and light-blocking curtains.
  • An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can create a physical activity plan to help you feel tired at bedtime.
  • An occupational therapist or social worker can help you remove barriers to sleep, such as stress and the use of caffeine or cigarettes before bed.
  • An occupational therapist can teach you coping techniques, such as:
    • Getting up and doing something else when you cannot sleep.
    • Using relaxation techniques.

Complementary Therapies

  • Massage therapy can help reduce tension and improve sleep.
  • A naturopath can create a plan that may include supplements such as melatonin.

1American Occupational Therapy Association. Occupational Therapy’s Role in Sleep. Accessed Jan 10, 2015 from http://www.aota.org/about-occupational-therapy/professionals/hw/sleep.aspx