The Role of the Physical Therapist in Sleep Health and Promotion

April 15, 2025 at 7:00 - 9:00 PM 

Location: Hybrid - DeSales University (Gambet Center) 2755 Station Avenue Center Valley, PA 18034

Hosted by the North East District & West Central District

Course: Professionals in physical therapy practice address lifestyle factors that can preventand directly impact sleep health. Sleep health quantity and quality can influence the risk of othermedical illnesses and diseases, posing a significant burden on our health care systems. The AmericanPhysical Therapy Association supports collaboration to promote education, research, and practicebetween physical therapists and sleep medicine professionals to enhance the health and well-being of society. Physical therapists are part of an interdisciplinary team of licensed health services providers in prevention and management of sleep impairments and promotion of healthy sleep behaviors. The physical therapist’s role includes using the best available evidence and standards of practice to educate patients of all ages in all clinical settings. This course will provide a background of the normal physiological processes that occur during sleep and how sleep impairments impact physical therapy practice and outcomes in multiple patient populations. This course will review how to implement and progress therapeutic interventions to address impairments that interfere with sleep Attendees will learn appropriate screening for sleep impairments, education on sleep promotion, and when to refer to other sleep medical professionals as indicated.

Speaker: Jessica S. Watson, PT, DPT, GCS is currently an Assistant Professor for the DeSales Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and serves as Faculty Liaison for their student run, faculty supervised pro bono clinic. Dr. Watson has diverse clinical experience in the acute and acute care rehabilitation settings throughout her career. She has worked for multiple established and respected health networks, including Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Lehigh Valley Health Network, and continues to practice clinically for St.Luke’s Health Network. Her special interests include preventative care and health promotion through community wellness initiatives. Her research interests focus on community-based programming as reflected by her recent publication "High-Intensity Exercise in Community-Based Boxing Improves Functional Limitations in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease," in the International Journal of Exercise Science. She has been an APTA member throughout her career and currently is a member of the Acute Care and Geriatrics sections. She is an active member of APTA PA and serves as Treasurer of the Northeast District

Contact Hours: Pending