Patterns of daily occupations (PDO) and occupational balance (OB) are recurring phenomena in the literature. Both are related with health and well-being, which makes them central in occupational therapy practice and occupational science. The aim was to review how PDO and OB are described in the literature, to propose a view of how the two constructs may be linked, and elaborate on how such a view may benefit occupational science and occupational therapy. The literature was analysed by latent and manifest content analysis and comparative analysis. The findings were summarized in a model, framing PDO as the more objective and OB as the more subjective result from an interaction between personal preferences and environmental influences. The proposed model does not assume a cause-effect relationship between the targeted constructs, rather a mutual influence and a joint reaction to influencing factors. Indicators of PDO and OB were identified, as well as tools for assessing PDO and OB. The authors propose that discerning PDO and OB as separate but interacting phenomena may be useful in developing a theoretical discourse in occupational science and enhancing occupational therapy practice. Although the scope of this study was limited, the proposed view may hopefully inspire further scrutiny of constructs.

Objective and methods: Time-use methodologies have been proposed to be established research techniques when exploring aspects of daily occupations. In this study, two graphs illustrating the time arrangement of occupations as they appear in a continuous sequence, where used in order to encourage individuals to reflect on their everyday life.The aim was to investigate the usefulness of a time-geographical diary method (using illustrative graphs) in combination with stimulated-recall interviews, to facilitate reflections on how patterns of daily occupations change over time and the causes that lie behind these changes. The study had a qualitative design. The participants were two working, married mothers; i.e. individuals considered to have highly complex patterns of daily occupations. The data analysis was performed by using thematic content analysis. Results:The results showed that the stimulated-recall interviews, based on the graphs, facilitated new insights that came to light concerning the scope of the participant's daily life. The method enabled the participants to reflect on their patterns of daily occupations and become aware of changes relevant to explain the causes for engaging in occupations the way they did. Conclusion: The method thus seems useful in research and practice for occupational therapists working with individuals with a need to change lifestyle.

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Background: In occupational therapy, while several studies have focussed on occupational balance, few have investigated it in the context of sleep. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between sleep and occupational balance among women. Material and methods: In total, 157 women responded to the Occupational Balance Questionnaire and Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire. Linear regression was used to analyse data. Results: The median score for occupational balance was 12 (interquartile range [IQR] 9), while that for sleep was 86 (IQR 16). Sleep and sleepiness fatigue were significantly associated (p < 0.1) with satisfaction with the number of occupations during a regular week. Difficulties awakening and snoring disorders were significantly associated (p < 0.1) with balance with physical, social, intellectual, and restful occupations. Conclusions: The majority of participants slept well and had a good sleep quality. There is an association between occupational balance and sleep. In particular, aspects related to the number of occupations, adequate time to perform them and the time spent recovering and sleeping were associated with good sleep quality. Balance among physical, social, intellectual, and restful occupations was associated with difficulties awakening and snoring. Significance: Our results support the need for occupational therapists to focus on occupational balance, to improve women's sleep.