Sleep and pain are deeply connected — but most physical therapists never ask about sleep. In this episode, PTs and clinic owners learn how sleep affects pain, recovery, and rehab outcomes, and how to screen patients for sleep issues in clinical practice.
Poor sleep can amplify pain, slow healing, and undermine rehab progress. Yet many patients report no clinician has ever asked about their sleep. In this conversation, we break down what PTs should know about sleep health, how to screen for sleep dysfunction, and when to refer patients for further evaluation.
If you're treating persistent pain, slow progress, or complex cases in private practice physical therapy, sleep may be the missing variable.
00:00 Why Sleep Matters For PTs
02:20 Sleep And Pain Connection
10:45 Screening Sleep In Clinic
21:10 Wearables And Sleep Data
30:05 Sleep Behaviors That Help
39:40 PT Role In Sleep Health
😴 The Problem with Sleep featuring Brett Neilson & Katie Siengsukon
😴 Sleep Health
📜 APTA HOD Position Statement
💤 The Problem with Sleep
🛌 Sleep Behaviors
📚 Research
💭 Beliefs
