The Effectivness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sleep Performance and Emotional Regulation in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Abstract

Background: Occupational therapists can work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team to assess and treat a client following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is a significant public health problem affecting civilians, athletes, and military personnel as a result of motor vehicle accidents, falls, contact sports, assaults, and explosions (Aoun et al., 2019). It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from a brain injury every year (Aoun et al., 2019). A TBI can affect a variety of physical, cognitive, and psychological functions, such as sleep hygiene, fatigue management, motivation and planning strategies, and behavioral management. It is estimated that sleep disorders cost the United States $94.9 billion annually (Huyett & Bhattacharyya, 2021). Decreasing sleep disorders in individuals with a TBI can increase all aspects of an individual's life and can reduce expenses of additional healthcare and pharmaceutical drugs. Occupational therapists can help regain the skills and provide education to help clients progress towards participating more fully in activities of daily life (Potter et al., 2016). AIM: This CAT is aimed at determining the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on sleep performance and emotional regulation for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries. METHODS: Level I and II randomized control studies were analyzed and included in the CAT if they published in the last 8 years, included participants with a history of TBI, interventions contained elements of CBT, and outcome measures included sleep or fatigue. RESULTS: Level I and II research completed on CBT interventions has revealed effective for decreasing symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, and sleep performance associated with TBI.