Health Canvas
235 Bambra Rd, Caulfield South VIC 3162
(03) 8652 9136
www.healthcanvas.com.au
What inspired you to become a Physiotherapist?
I've always loved talking to people, listening to their stories and helping them in anyway I can.
What is your philosophy when it comes to helping individuals improve their sleep health? Are there any specific principles or strategies you follow in your practice?
Firstly, I believe in educating people regarding the importance of sleep as poor sleep can affect many aspects of our life, including pain and anxiety levels, healing times, and gut and pelvic health.
Having a consistent sleep routine is really important and finding strategies that work for each individual to promote a wind down prior to going to bed each night. Avoiding screens and late-night TV before bed.
What are some of the most common sleep-related issues you encounter in your practice?
- hormonal issues affecting sleep such as during peri or post menopause for women
- back and neck pain affecting quality of sleep
- changes in sleep during pregnancy, especially for women having to change their sleeping position to lie on their side
- bladder frequency overnight interrupting sleep
How do you go about diagnosing and addressing these issues?
- we may use an outcome measure such as the "insomnia severity Index" to get an idea of a person's sleep quality
- addressing any areas for improvement in terms of sleep routine and sleep "hygiene"
- address any areas for improvement in terms of what a person is eating or drinking prior to bed
- provide tips on sleeping position and address any areas for improvement needed in pillow/mattress support for back and neck pain
- provide advice on sleeping positions and pillow support during pregnancy
Advice for Better Sleep
Many people struggle with sleep problems. What general advice or tips would you offer for improving sleep quality and overall well-being?
- try to keep regular bedtime and wake up times
- exercise in the morning, especially outside can help with circadian rhythms
- keep your bedroom quiet, dark and a little cooler
- stretches, relaxed breathing and/or meditation before bed can help reduce stress levels and promote better sleep
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