This practicum offers students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world and simulated clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on the comprehensive assessment of sleep quality, identification of sleep disorders, and evidence-based intervention strategies. Through interactive sessions, students will gain practical skills in evaluating sleep health and promoting sleep hygiene across diverse populations.
Practical Objectives:
To develop proficiency in using standardized tools for sleep assessment
To recognize clinical symptoms associated with common sleep disorders
To apply intervention techniques aimed at improving sleep quality
To understand the interface between sleep, mental health, and chronic disease management
Core Practical Components:
Sleep Assessment Tools and Technologies
Administration and scoring of sleep quality questionnaires (e.g., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale)
Introduction to actigraphy and polysomnography: understanding setup, data interpretation, and clinical applications
Use of sleep diaries and mobile-based sleep tracking apps in both clinical and research contexts
Clinical Case Simulations
Structured role-plays for assessing patients with insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome
Diagnostic discussions using sample polysomnographic reports
Simulated patient interviews focused on lifestyle, sleep hygiene practices, and psychosocial stressors
Intervention and Counseling Techniques
Delivery of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) protocols
Developing individualized sleep hygiene plans based on patient lifestyle and comorbidities
Behavioral coaching for shift workers, adolescents, and patients with anxiety-related sleep disruptions
Sleep and Public Health
Designing sleep education campaigns for different populations (e.g., university students, elderly, hospital inpatients)
Workshop: Integrating sleep assessments in community-based health screenings
Assessment Methods:
Completion of a practical logbook detailing activities and reflections
Submission of one clinical case report with proposed sleep intervention plan
Final Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) or simulation-based assessment
This sleep practicum equips students with the critical clinical competencies and research-informed strategies necessary to assess and improve sleep health across a range of settings.