The Ethics of Sleep Health: Efficacy, Equity, and Clinician Self-Care

Earn 2 CE in Ethics as you explore the prevalence of sleep problems, their disproportionate impact on marginalized populations, and evidence-based interventions. Gain tools to effectively address sleep issues, promote equity, and enhance your clients' well-being. Discover the power of prioritizing your own sleep for optimal performance and ethical practice.

Poor sleep health is an overlooked problem among mental health professionals, creating an ethical blind spot in clinical practice. More than 30% of the U.S. population suffers from insomnia and insufficient sleep, increasing the risk of mental health problems. That number rises to over 40% for marginalized and psychiatric populations, creating an equity issue. Regrettably, few mental health professionals receive training in empirically validated interventions for sleep problems. This workshop summarizes the basics of sleep health, the scope of sleep problems and their differential impact across different groups, effective interventions to improve sleep health, and sleep as an essential element of clinician self-care.

Dr. Kevin B. Handley is a Professor of Psychology, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia, an ICF Professional, and Certified MentorCoach. He was named a Chancellor’s Commonwealth Professor by the Virginia Community College System for his teaching excellence and previously taught in a mental health counseling master’s degree program, clinical psychology doctoral degree program, and an ICF Accredited Coach Training Program. Dr. Handley’s practice is focused on the coaching and continuing education of mental health professionals, as well as the treatment of sleep and anxiety difficulties using cognitive and behavioral therapies.