knOTts' thoughts...

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            Research shows that people who are homeless only sleep an average of four hours a night. This is due to unsafe, uncomfortable, and noisy conditions that keep them awake. Lack of sleep causes them to not be able to think clearly and make decisions. Research also shows that people who are homeless do not have access to preventative healthcare. They only visit the emergency room when it is absolutely necessary. The things keeping this population homeless are the mental illness, substance use, and traumatic brain injuries that cause them to not be able to think.            Quinn Tyminski gave a TEDx Talk on how occupational therapy practitioners can help those who are or have been homeless. She talked about a lady named Mary who had a history of substance abuse and trauma, but could not get back on her feet even though she was recovering. Mary was referred to where Quinn works and was able to participate in group occupational therapy sessions. These sessions taught her valuable