Are we 'sleeping' on sleep in case management?

As case managers, we focus on so many aspects of our clients’ well-being, but how often do we really consider the impact of sleep? 

Recently, I reflected on this myself after a night of just three hours of sleep left me struggling during my morning swim—everything was harder, slower, and I ached more than usual. It made me wonder: am I, as a professional, fully considering the critical role that sleep plays in recovery? Or, like many of us, am I overlooking its importance in favour of other pressing aspects of care and immediate issues I am facing?

In the field of personal injury case management, we are acutely aware of the complexities of trauma, pain management, and rehabilitation. Yet, sleep—something so fundamental to recovery—can easily be under-prioritised. We may focus on medication, physiotherapy, and emotional support, but how often do we pause to ask, "How well are you sleeping?"

I recently read a study report directed from the University of Oxford, Sleep and Rehabilitation After Brain Injury that really highlighted the vital role of sleep in rehabilitation outcomes, particularly for clients with brain injuries.

What struck me most was the clear connection between sleep quality and improved motor function. 

• Clients who had more consistent, less disrupted sleep showed better arm and leg movement, greater mobility, and quicker recovery of functional independence. 

• The study emphasised how crucial good sleep is for skill acquisition, especially relearning movement after trauma. 

• Sleep allows the brain to process and organise new memories, making recovery more effective

This resonates deeply with my work in case management, where sleep often goes underexplored during recovery planning. For clients with brain injuries, where sleep disturbances are common, addressing these issues can significantly impact rehabilitation success.

This reflection made me realise that as case managers, we can’t afford to be 'sleeping' on sleep. It’s vital to not only address but actively integrate sleep hygiene into our assessments and care plans. We should be asking more questions about our clients' sleep patterns, hygiene, educating them on how sleep aids recovery, and considering how pain, stress, or medications may be impacting their rest.

I’d love to hear your thoughts— Are we, as case managers, doing enough to address sleep in our clients’ recovery journeys.