Despite living in a technologically advanced world, a recent study by Age UK revealed that nearly half (46%) of people aged 65 and over <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/alarming-study-reveals-everyday-tech-problems-facing-older-people-as-millions-dont-use-internet-at-all-12964823#:~:text=A%20study%20by%20Age%20UK,the%20most%20fundamental%20online%20tasks">struggle to navigate the internet</a> safely or complete basic online tasks.

Older generations are typically left behind and not necessarily by choice, but because technology is frequently designed without their accessibility needs in mind. In this blog, we’ll explore how digital accessibility can be improved to better support seniors and ensure they’re not excluded from the digital world.

Accessibility is about removing potential barriers to services, products, environments and experiences, ensuring everybody has the same opportunity to access them. When considering accessibility, it is important to be inclusive of disabilities including visual and hearing impairments, reduced mobility and cognitive disabilities.

In the digital world, accessibility refers to the functionality of websites, apps, and online tools, and it is concerned with how digital content is perceived, operable, and understandable. Accessible features might include easier keyboard navigation for typing, variable text size so words are more legible, and haptic feedback, which responds to a person’s touch. Options like these are designed to make using these devices easier to use independently.

Where is web usage letting seniors down? Although three-quarters of UK residents aged 65 and over use the internet daily, many seniors struggle to keep up with rapid technological advancements and a lack of online navigation skills. This is because many websites are not designed with older adults in mind, failing to address their unique needs and accessibility requirements.

Individuals with reduced vision find it easier to read content with enhanced contrast between text and background. For example, black text on a white background. When selecting colours for your website, it is important to present the information as clearly as possible with enough contrast. There are a variety of tools including <a href="https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/">contrast checkers </a>that you can utilise to ensure that your content is legible. This is particularly important because seniors might be required to access important information online that could otherwise be misinterpreted.

Many websites use small default font sizes, which, although easy to read for a minor, can be difficult for seniors to comprehend. This is compounded by the fact that older adults may not know how to zoom in on their browsers or devices. There is no officially recognised font size for accessibility, but 16px is generally recommended for readable text.

Many websites and apps have interactive elements incorporated into their design. For technologically literate people, we’ve become accustomed to recognising these elements and can typically differentiate between legitimate links and spam pop-ups based on their appearance, placement, or behaviour.

For elderly individuals, legitimate small clickable items can be confusing or difficult to access. For example, when placing an online order with a small ‘pay’ button, a person with reduced dexterity might struggle to submit this transaction. This is because precise clicks on small targets can be challenging, especially on touchscreens. This leads to frustrations as it can make an otherwise simple transaction more cumbersome.

Seniors with impaired hearing might not be aware of sounds coming from their devices, particularly notifications. Additional accessibility tools can be utilised with the phone, for example, “Hearing Aid Compatibility” connects the device’s audio directly to your hearing aids. Other sensory cues such as flashing lights, pop-up messages or vibration feedback utilise all the senses to notify you of alerts, calls and messages and can be found on your phone’s accessibility settings.

Websites with cluttered menus, multiple navigation layers, or inconsistent layouts can easily confuse seniors, making it harder for them to find what they’re looking for. Poor navigation and menu structure become even more challenging when the same content is presented differently across devices. For example, the way a site is navigated on a mobile device could differ entirely from how it functions on a desktop, leading to further confusion.

How does this affect digital inclusion for the elderly?

These accessibility factors have a significant impact on digital inclusion for the elderly, creating a divide between those who can utilise the online world easily and those who can’t. As a result, elderly individuals may be excluded from important online services, which can lead to missed opportunities, isolation and a reduced quality of life.

Inability to purchase onlineIn 2024, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-business-data-survey-2024/uk-business-data-survey-2024#:~:text=Overall%2C%2068%%20of%20UK%20businesses%20said%20they,website%20than%20businesses%20in%20many%20other%20sectors">68% of UK businesses</a> were reported to have an online presence. As more businesses move to digital platforms, seniors who lack access to or awareness of the online world risk being left behind. Their inability to shop online prevents them from obtaining essential items, such as clothing, medications, or prescriptions. This issue is particularly challenging for those with reduced mobility or disabilities, for whom shopping in physical stores can be difficult or even impossible.

Elderly individuals are often the victims of hacking and cyber scams from criminals who pry on their limited awareness of safe online practices. Without proper digital literacy, seniors are more susceptible to phishing attacks and unknowingly sharing private information, compromising their personal and financial safety. Nearly <a href="https://www.independentage.org/news-media/press-releases/new-data-shows-online-scams-cost-older-people-an-average-of-ps4000-but#:~:text=Nearly%20three%20in%20five%20(61%25)%20older%20people%20say%20that,%2C%20with%2017%25%20falling%20victim.">three in five</a> (61%) older people have been the target of financial fraud, with 17% falling victim, with a reported average loss of £3,798 per scam.

Previous negative experiences, such as falling victim to an online scam, can lead to distrust of online tools with seniors. <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/travel-and-things-to-do/how-automation-is-leaving-the-elderly-behind-and-what-can-be-done-about-it">30%</a> of those aged 65 reported feeling uncomfortable with online banking. This distrust in using technology will likely stop them from engaging in similar services again, preventing them from experiencing the benefits of the digital world, which could enhance their quality of life.

Similarly, this distrust in using technology can also lead to isolation in older communities. With the majority of adults using a smartphone to connect via phone call, text or social media, elderly individuals who refuse to acknowledge these technologies are far more likely to be ostracised. This can lead to feeling disconnected from family or friends and missing out on activities. Isolation in seniors is a big issue which can lead to mental health-related illnesses.

The fast pace of technological change can create anxiety for seniors, particularly when they feel pressured to learn unfamiliar systems. The stress of keeping up with constant advancements, combined with the fear of making mistakes or falling victim to scams, can be overwhelming.

Why upskilling for the elderly isn’t enough

The obvious answer might be to simply train seniors to be computer literate with a better understanding of the digital world. With time, many seniors easily pick up and understand how to use different devices, apps or sites. However, they are still likely to be impacted by the design and functionality of these digital tools which do not cater fully to their accessibility needs.

For example, a senior with reduced vision may be a whiz with their smartphone, but they will still struggle with small text or a lack of colour contrast on a screen, regardless of how much they’ve learned about using a computer or mobile device.

While online shopping has grown significantly since the pandemic, it still represents just <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/280655/proportion-of-retail-sales-made-online-great-britain-by-retail-sector/">26.2%</a> of all retail transactions in the UK. Many retailers, however, fail to provide alternative communication and purchasing methods, such as phone orders or in-person shopping options.

While some considerations have been made towards improving digital accessibility for elderly individuals, there is still much to be done to ensure they can navigate and utilise the digital world more easily. This includes building accessibility features from early design phases and supporting seniors with improved online safety and anti-phishing measures. As we move to an increasingly digital age, all members of society must be able to have the same access to resources and community, ensuring that we reduce isolation and loneliness for those most at risk. 

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How Digital Accessibility Still Needs Improving For The Elderly

The UK is facing a significant population challenge, with <a href="https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the-uks-changing-population/#:~:text=A%20growing%20population&amp;text=The%20Office%20for%20National%20Statistics,reach%2070%20million%20by%202026.">12.7 million</a> people aged 65 and over, representing 19% of the total population. This figure highlights growing concerns about care, particularly the rising costs of care homes and the increasing demand for facilities to accommodate our ageing population. This issue is further compounded by projections that suggest seniors will make up 27% of the population by 2072, presenting substantial challenges for governments and care providers alike.

Amid these concerns, questions and considerations form about how best to support seniors who require personal care. Fortunately, with home adaptations such as independent living aids, many individuals can receive high-quality care in the comfort of their own homes. These solutions not only ease pressure on care facilities but also allow seniors to remain happy, safe, and comfortable in a familiar environment.

Supporting mental and physical health with living aids

Living aids play a crucial role in supporting seniors' mental and physical well-being. With ageing comes reduced mobility and for many elderly individuals, this lack of autonomy can affect how they feel; hopeless, frustrated or isolated.

By addressing both mental and physical needs, living aids can help support basic functions, such as cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene and sleeping and allow seniors to perform tasks which negate the need for a carer to provide assistance. This reduced reliance on external care ensures seniors can live self-sufficiently, with dignity and comfort in mind.

Living aids come in many forms, each tailored to assist seniors in specific areas of the home, improving safety, comfort, and independence. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of living aids designed for different parts of the home.

The kitchen is a space fraught with challenges for those with reduced dexterity or impaired mobility. Thankfully, there are many adaptive tools that can make accessing the kitchen, as well as cooking, easier and more enjoyable.

Adaptive utensils are thoughtfully designed with ergonomic features and are available in a wide range of options. These utensils make handles easier to grip, minimising the effort needed for activities such as stirring, cutting, or eating. For individuals with tremors, weighted adaptive utensils offer enhanced control and stability, making mealtimes a more manageable and comfortable experience.

Cooking often involves handling heavy pots, pans, and plates, which can be challenging for seniors, especially when stored in high cabinets that are difficult to reach. Lightweight cookware, made from materials like aluminum or non-stick composites, offers a practical solution, allowing seniors to handle kitchen items with more ease. Additionally, plastic kitchenware or utensils with built-in grips can make eating more manageable, improving both comfort and independence at mealtime.

Food preparation can be particularly challenging for individuals with reduced vision or coordination. Cutting aids, such as slicing guides and boards with stabilising features, help ensure safe and precise cutting. These tools are especially beneficial when preparing fruits, vegetables, or meat, making the process easier and more accurate.

Sleep and mobility are the focus of many bedroom living aids, and aim to ensure longer, more restorative sleep with increased levels of comfort.

Bed rails provide additional safety and support for seniors and are a cost-effective, easy-to-install option. Placed between the bed frame and mattress, they prevent an individual from falling out of bed, provide something to hold onto when moving oneself in or out of bed, and help adjust a person's position more efficiently, for example, if reading a book or watching TV.

Mattresses are an equally important part of the bedroom space and help contribute towards increased independence in seniors. Mattresses, like our <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/mammoth-mattress">Mammoth Medical Grade Foam™ Mattress</a>, are designed with comfort in mind, ensuring a better quality sleep. Restorative sleep is particularly important as it allows for greater physical recovery, reducing pain and pressure on weakened bones or muscles. Restorative sleep can play a role in increasing cognitive function too and can help seniors wake up feeling refreshed and energised, important in an active or demanding lifestyle.

Motion-sensor nightlights or low-glare lighting can make navigating the bedroom safer during the night. Adjustable bedside tables make it easier for seniors to access personal items, such as a phone, medication, or glass of water, without straining or reaching. Meanwhile, smart home devices like voice-activated lights, alarms, and thermostats allow seniors to control their bedroom environment without needing to move or exert extra effort.

The living room is the heart of any home, acting as a place to relax and unwind or socialise with others. Living aids can help seniors move around this space more freely, allowing downtime to be enjoyed for longer.

Food or drink caddies are a useful tool in the living room. They allow an elderly person to more easily transport food and drink from the kitchen to their living space and are particularly beneficial for individuals with poor coordination or limited strength. Not only do they reduce the number of trips required between the living room and kitchen, but they also reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring.

Similarly, walking aids support seniors in the same way. Canes, walkers and frames can help individuals with varied mobility limitations and allow them to move around their living room more easily. They are instrumental in the living room, a space with many trip hazards or uneven surfaces.

If the living room space does feature uneven surfaces, a rug or mat is a great way to smooth out the floor and create a soft, comfortable space. However, this may present itself as a trip hazard, so it’s important to consider a non-slip alternative or adding non-slip backing to existing rugs to reduce the chances of a trip or fall.

The bathroom is a particularly challenging environment for seniors. A small wet environment with multiple trip hazards leaves little room for movement and can make simple tasks such as taking a bath or using the toilet increasingly difficult.

Toilet aids, including raised toilet seats, allow for easier transportation between a wheelchair or walking stick and the toilet, reducing pressure and inflammation on joints and making it easier to use in a hurry.

Floor mats and slip-resistant mats are designed to make the bathroom safer by minimising the risk of falls. Affordable and readily available, these mats not only provide peace of mind when using the bathroom but can also improve the overall appearance and comfort of the space too.

For those with impaired or reduced mobility, grab rails and bars are a great addition to any bathroom space. They make getting into and out of a bath, shower or toilet area easier, reducing pressure on joints whilst providing additional support and stability to weakened muscles.

Hallways present a challenge for many seniors. In traditional homes, these passageways tend to be narrow and do not accommodate limited mobility or assistive devices like wheelchairs or walking sticks. It is, therefore, important to consider how accommodations can make this small space more accessible.

For seniors with vision impairments, tactile markers or colour-contrast strips on floors and walls can help guide them through hallways. These can help make paths more visible and notify them of hazards like door handles.

Good lighting is essential for seniors with reduced vision. Motion-sensor lights in hallways ensure the space is well-lit when needed without requiring seniors to fumble for switches. This also helps seniors avoid potential trip hazards and allows them to navigate the hallway more confidently.

Additional aids, such as a letterbox cage, can help collect mail directly from the front door. These devices prevent seniors from slipping on scattered posts and provide a convenient way to stay on top of incoming mail. Some letterbox cages even include sound alerts, notifying the individual when mail has arrived, ensuring they don’t miss any important documentation.

Access to the right living aids can have a transformative effect on the life of a senior. By choosing aids that cater to individual needs and abilities, seniors can maintain their independence by controlling aspects of their daily lives more easily. This helps build confidence, encourages a more active lifestyle and ensures a greater quality of life. We’ve written a blog about rebuilding confidence in seniors, particularly after a fall, which you can read more about in <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/a-guide-to-rebuilding-confidence-in-seniors-after-a-fall">this link.</a>

Personal hygiene can become more challenging as we age due to various factors such as reduced mobility, balance issues, and limited flexibility. Proper hygiene is essential for overall health, self-esteem, and emotional well-being, but it often requires additional support for seniors who face these physical limitations.

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/bath-lifts">Bath lifts</a> are motorised devices designed to help an individual enjoy full depth bathing without the assistance of a caregiver. With a belt that can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button, they eliminate the need to step over the bath’s edge, preventing accidental slips or falls from occurring, whilst encouraging better personal hygiene, maintaining a sense of dignity and improving well-being.

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs">Rise and recline chairs</a> are another great living aid in the living room. Providing unrivalled comfort compared to traditional chairs or sofas, they also feature adjustable positions for relaxation and a lift function to assist seniors in standing up with ease, reducing strain on joints and muscles. In addition to their ergonomic features, they can also be customisable, with as many as 200 fabric options, combining style and comfort together.

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds">Adjustable beds</a> can greatly improve the sleep quality of a senior. These beds allow users to adjust the position of the head and feet, providing relief for conditions like arthritis, back pain, or poor circulation. By elevating the upper body or legs, seniors can alleviate pressure points and reduce discomfort, improving sleep quality and overall well-being. Adjustable beds also increase independence, allowing an individual to sit up, get in, or get out of bed with greater ease.

In conclusion, living aids offer invaluable support to seniors, enabling them to live more independently and comfortably in their own homes. From the kitchen to the bedroom and bathroom, these aids help seniors easily navigate everyday tasks, reducing the need for external care and enhancing both physical and mental well-being.

With the right living aids in place, seniors can maintain their dignity, confidence, and quality of life while also easing the pressure on care homes and healthcare systems. As the ageing population continues to grow, embracing these solutions will be crucial in ensuring seniors can enjoy their later years with the independence and support they deserve.

If you’d like to learn more about Oak Tree Mobility’s range of independent living aids, including our rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds, Mammoth Medical Grade Foam™ Mattress and bath lift, please request your <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/request-a-brochure">free brochure today.</a>

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Mobility Aids: The Key to Unlocking Independence in Seniors

Sleep is essential for everyone, but how much we need varies significantly depending on age. From infants requiring long stretches of rest to older adults who often experience fragmented sleep, with less sleep at night and more naps during the day. Understanding the relationship between age and sleep needs and how these evolve can help improve health and well-being across all life stages.

In this article I explore the sleep requirements of different age groups, with a particular focus on those over 65. This can be a phase of life when not being able to sleep at night can cause anxiety and even exacerbate existing health conditions. Most importantly, I’ll offer practical advice to help you achieve restful, restorative sleep. If you're seeking better sleep for yourself or a loved one, I hope that my advice will prove invaluable to enable you to get the deep restoration and sleep that you deserve.

We spend roughly a third of our life sleeping but our how much we sleep needs to evolve and change throughout life. According to research in the field of sleep science, the recommended amounts are:

· Infants (0–12 months): 12–16 hours per day, including naps.

· Toddlers (1–2 years): 11–14 hours, including naps.

· Children (3–5 years): 10–13 hours, including naps.

· School-age children (6–12 years): 9–12 hours.

· Teenagers (13–18 years): 8–10 hours.

· Young adults and adults (18–64 years): 7–9 hours.

· Older adults (65+ years): 7–8 hours.

While older adults typically require slightly less sleep than younger adults, achieving consistent and high-quality sleep is crucial for their overall health.

Interestingly, young adults aged 25–34 report the least sleep. A 2023 study revealed that 70% of individuals in this age group get less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep each night. This is often due to demanding work schedules, social commitments, and family responsibilities.

Conversely, people aged 65 and over are most likely to meet their sleep needs, with 40% reporting they sleep for 7 or more hours per night. However, the quality of that sleep is often compromised by factors such as health conditions or even poor lifestyle habits such as over napping during the day, reduced physical activity, exposure to daylight and even inadequate nutrition and hydration.

Ageing brings significant changes to sleep patterns and quality. As you get older you can often experience:

· Lighter, more fragmented sleep: Older adults spend less time in the deep, restorative stages of sleep, making them more susceptible to waking up during the night.

· Circadian rhythm changes: As we age, our internal body clock shifts, often leading to earlier bedtimes and wake-up times.

· Health issues: Conditions such as arthritis, sleep apnoea, and restless leg syndrome can disturb sleep.

· Medication side effects: Many elderly individuals take medications that can interfere with their ability to fall or stay asleep.

Understanding these challenges is the first step towards managing and improving sleep.

While the number of hours you sleep is important, quality matters just as much. Elderly people might find they’re in bed for 8 hours but wake up feeling tired. This is often due to poor sleep quality, which can result from frequent interruptions or difficulty entering deeper sleep stages.

Improving sleep quality requires a focus on creating an environment and routine conducive to restful sleep.

Advice for the Elderly for Getting Good Sleep

To help older people improve their sleep, here are some actionable tips:

A supportive and comfortable bed can make a world of difference. <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds">Adjustable beds </a>allow elderly people to adjust their position, providing relief for conditions like back pain or acid reflux. If you or a loved one struggle with achieving restful sleep, consider the benefits of an adjustable bed from <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/landing-pages/request-your-brochure/bed-v2">Oak Tree Mobility.</a> Designed with older people in mind, these beds provide the ultimate comfort and support, making it easier to relax and enjoy uninterrupted sleep.

Blue light emitted from phones, tablets, and televisions can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Turning off your electronic devices at least an hour before bed will significantly improve your sleep.

Caffeine can stay in the system for hours and disrupt sleep. We should all limit coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages, especially in the afternoon and evening. This is also very important if you have the tendency to visit the bathroom several times a night as caffeine acts as a diuretic causing more frequent urination and dehydration, which also impacts sleep. In addition to managing your caffeine intake, there are additional strategies that I recommend to my clients that can make a big difference to how well you sleep. Do check out my <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/a-sleep-expert-s-5-non-negotiables-for-deeper-more-nourishing-sleep">5 Non-Negotiables</a> for a good night’s sleep on our Health and Wellbeing page.

A low-level night light provides just enough visibility for nighttime bathroom trips, reducing the risk of falls or disorientation without interfering with the natural sleep cycle. It can also offer emotional comfort, especially if someone is living with anxiety or dementia, conditions that often disrupt sleep patterns in older adults.

Make sure the floor is clear for bathroom visits

Older adults are more likely to experience nighttime disruptions. Keeping floors and hallways clear of obstacles like rugs or furniture can help ensure safe and easy navigation during the night.

Developing a bedtime relaxation routine can help you wind down and prepare for restful sleep. Here are a few points to consider:

· Deep breathing exercises: Slow, steady breathing can calm the mind and body.

· Meditation: Guided meditations or practising mindfulness exercises help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

· Gentle stretching: Light stretches can alleviate tension in the muscles and improve comfort before sleeping.

· Listening to calming music: Soft, soothing music creates a peaceful atmosphere.

· Entertainment: Reading an uplifting book or watching something funny and light hearted on TV before bedtime promotes wellness, but be sure to avoid watching TV in bed.

Incorporating these techniques into a nightly routine can significantly enhance sleep quality.

Get a better night's sleep with adjustable beds from Oak Tree Mobility

At Oak Tree Mobility, we understand that sleep is a crucial part of overall health and well-being. That’s why our <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds">adjustable beds</a> are designed to combine luxury, comfort, and practicality. By investing in an adjustable bed, you can ensure that you’re providing your body with the support it needs to rest fully, recover, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Learn more about our adjustable beds with a <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/landing-pages/request-your-brochure/bed-v2">FREE brochure</a> today.&nbsp;

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Which Age Group Needs The Most Sleep And Why?

Checklist When Caring for Elderly Parents

How to Care for an Elderly Person at Home

3 Ways Adjustable Beds Can Help With Arthritis

The Best Type of Hospital Bed for Home Use

11 Essential Bathroom Aids for The Elderly

How Pets Can Help Seniors With Mobility Issues

10 Accessible Winter Activities For Seniors

7 Benefits of Bath Lifts for Disabled People

The Ultimate Position of a Recliner Chair for Back Support

The Best Bed Mattress for Back Pain

How to Help Someone With Mobility Issues

What Tog Duvet is Best for Winter?

How To Cope with Raynaud’s This Winter

Mobility Aids for Hidden Disabilities

A Guide to Rebuilding Confidence in Seniors After a Fall

How To Improve The Wellbeing of Seniors in Winter

The Importance of Checking Blood Pressure As You Age

Kai Anders is a junior marketing executive, writing articles on interesting subjects relating to health, wellbeing and accessibility.

Kai, who holds a Fine Art degree from Arts University Bournemouth and has worked in the healthcare industry, combines his passion for art and design with critical thinking skills and his knowledge of the industry to create compelling content and build community on Oak Tree Mobility’s social media and email channels.

In his spare time, Kai is also a small business owner and passionate about ensuring his customers receive a positive experience, a value that translates into his creative endeavours with Oak Tree Mobility.

Kai Anders is a social media specialist, passionate about sharing information on topics relating to healthcare, mobility and accessibility.

Junior Marketing Executive

Kai Anders

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An Occupational Therapist's Guide to Making Your Bedroom More Accessible

An Occupational Therapist’s Guide to Good Posture

What is Occupational Therapy?

What to Expect From a Occupational Therapist Assessment 

An Occupational Therapist’s Guide to Fall Prevention

Reasons Why You Should Put Your Feet Up

An OT’s List of Useful Assistive Products

The <a href="https://www.theotservice.co.uk/">OT Service</a> is one of the UK’s foremost private occupational therapy companies and provides independent occupational therapy services worldwide.

Samantha qualified in 1992 as an occupational therapist and gained her masters in health and social care in 2011. In addition she holds a post-graduate teaching qualification.

Samantha has worked as an occupational therapist in numerous high, medium and low resourced education, management and practice settings. She is a regular guest lecturer at various national and international universities and frequently speaks at international conferences.

Samantha is the current President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). She is committed to promoting and advocating for occupational therapy and person-centred care by supporting the development of professional standards and new educational programmes.

In 2022 Samantha was awarded a Fellowship from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the profession. She remains a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) including membership of RCOT’s specialist sections – Older Persons and Mental Health as well as being registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

Through her work with the WFOT Samantha represents the occupational therapy profession at the highest-level during World Health Organisation (WHO) meetings and contributes to specific WHO projects for example the GATE (Global Assistive Technology) initiative, Rehabilitation 2030 and Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). Samantha is on the steering committee for the WHO World Rehabilitation Alliance and is also a founding board member for the International Society for Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP).

Award winning Occupational Therapist, Director of The OT Services and President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapist

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Samantha Shann

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A Sleep Expert’s 5-Non-Negotiables for Deeper More Nourishing Sleep

6 Ways to Get Disruption-Free Sleep

Can a Bath Before Bed Help You to Sleep?

The Benefits of Taking a Nap

How to Turn Your Bedroom into a Perfect Sanctuary for Deep Sleep

How Nutrition Can Help You Sleep

How to Stop Snoring Naturally

How to Beat Insomnia Naturally

Sleeping Well and Feeling Energised as You Get Older

Falling Asleep With Greater Ease

What Happens When You Sleep?

What Mattress is Best for Me?

Why Does Sleep Help With Headaches

Can Sleep Help With Weight Loss?

An Interview with Sleep Expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan

How to Sleep Well with Arthritis

Why Do We Dream?

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Signs That You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep

How To Stop Dreading Bedtime

Is Sleeping With Pets Harmful to Your Health?

Insomnia Vs Sleep Problems

How Older Adults Can Prepare for a Better Night's Sleep

I am passionate about helping people to sleep well, so much so that I have spent 25 years helping people to sleep and have published 5 books on the topic. When we sleep well and restoratively, the body is healed on so many levels – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. When we are well-rested, we feel happy, resilient and better able to cope with life’s inevitable challenges.

My belief is that our physiology is perfectly designed for optimal sleep. The key is understanding our unique relationship with rest. To unlock optimal rest, we need to make the daily choices that will enable us to get the deep, restorative sleep we deserve. It’s my mission to shine a light on these choices and make them achievable for everyone.

I received both my undergraduate degree and a doctorate in physiology at King’s College London, where I studied and conducted research on the brain and sleep science. Following my post-doctoral research posts, I worked in a health screening clinic in London’s Square Mile where I measured the health of city professionals working in law, banking, accountancy, media, insurance and other industries. It was here that I noticed that insomnia was a prevalent issue for an overwhelming amount of our patients and that I had a particular knack for supporting sleep issues to improve overall health. Following the wide experience gained in this position, I have been able to help many with their sleep issues, from school children to professional athletes, including those at Chelsea FC.

In my mission to learn even more about sleep practices, I looked to the ancient practices of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Through my studies of sleep throughout time and different cultures, my methodology has grown into a holistic blend of Eastern and Western Sciences.

I spent a decade helping patients with severe mental health problems at The Nightingale Hospital. I was headhunted for this role to support patients with my wide range of experience and combined holistic and evidence-based practice. Seeing so many patients successfully reach their sleep goals by utilising my methodology inspired me to make this valuable knowledge accessible to all, by writing my first book Tired but Wired.

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With Oak Tree Mobility, I am proud to share practical advice to support you with your sleep goals, free of charge. You can access my advice on the <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice">Oak Tree blog</a>&nbsp;or on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OakTreeMobility">social media</a>, and you can access even more health and sleep support on&nbsp;<a href="https://drnerina.com/">my website</a>.

How Oak Tree Mobility Supports Great Sleep

Our relationship with sleep is unique and, as such, the more able we are to cater to our individual needs for comfort, the better chance we stand of being able to rest and sleep well. The variety and range of comfort solutions offered in the Oak Tree product range is great. I recommend that customers really take their time and explore what makes them feel most comfortable and at ease. 

I particularly like the semi-contoured position of the <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds">adjustable beds</a>, and the variety of mattresses on offer will be highly beneficial to many as it will help you to find the best level of support and comfort. The semi-contoured design enables optimal breathing, a key factor in being able to rest and sleep well. An adjustable bed supports the joints in the back, hips and knees to ease tension and arthritic aches and pains, helping you to feel refreshed in the morning.

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