A nonpharmacological approach to improve sleep quality in older adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e12301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Rawtaer ◽  
Rathi Mahendran ◽  
Hui Yu Chan ◽  
Feng Lei ◽  
Ee Heok Kua
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S367-S367
Author(s):  
Ryan S Falck ◽  
John R Best ◽  
Jennifer C Davis ◽  
Patrick Chan ◽  
Daniel Backhouse ◽  
...  

Abstract Poor sleep is common among older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and may contribute to their increased risk for dementia. Chronotherapy is a set of intervention strategies which can improve sleep quality by strengthening the entrainment of the biological clock to the solar light-dark cycle, and includes strategies such as: 1) bright light therapy (BLT); 2) physical activity (PA); and 3) good sleep hygiene. Thus, in this 24-week randomized controlled trial (RCT; NCT02926157), we aimed to examine the efficacy of a multimodal, personalized chronotherapy intervention to improve sleep quality among older adults with MCI. Ninety-six older adults (65+ years) with MCI were randomized to either: 1) a multimodal personalized chronotherapy group (INT); or 2) a waitlist-plus-education control group (CON). Participants allocated to the INT received four once-weekly, general sleep hygiene education classes, followed by 20 weeks of 1) individually-timed BLT; and 2) bi-weekly, individually-tailored PA counselling in conjunction with receiving a consumer-available PA tracker (Fitbit® FlexTM). We found a significant group x time interaction for objectively measured sleep fragmentation (5.01; p< 0.01) and also for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (p= 0.03), such that the INT: 1) maintained sleep fragmentation while CON worsened at 12 weeks (p< 0.01); and 2) had improved PSQI score compared to CON at both 12 weeks (p< 0.01) and 24 weeks (p= 0.04). Our results provide novel evidence that a multimodal personalized chronotherapy approach may promote both objective and subjective aspects of sleep quality in older adults with MCI.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S659-S660
Author(s):  
Nastaran Shishegar ◽  
Mohamed Boubekri

Abstract Sleep is important for memory consolidation, hence the disruption of normal sleep patterns as a result of age-related changes in the circadian system could be one of the contributors to memory impairment among older adults. It is now well-established that light is the main environmental element that synchronizes circadian rhythms. An appropriate lighting condition can be considered as a non-pharmacological solution to improve the sleep quality of individuals and consequently their overall health and well-being. The present study investigates the effectiveness of two proposed whole-day lighting interventions (L1 and L2) applied by Tunable White Lighting Technology (TWLT) on sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults. Both lighting interventions provide a high illuminance level (500 lux) in the morning and then the illumination is dimmed gradually throughout the day and reached 100 lux in the evening. However, while L1 offers a constant Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) of 2700K, during the L2 intervention, the CCT is changing in the range of 6500K – 2700K from morning towards evening. Fifteen healthy older adults (mean age = 73.2 years; 12F) participated in a 41-day counterbalanced crossover study. Participants were exposed to each lighting condition for 9 days. Actigraphy, standard questionnaires (PROMIS and PSQI), and tests (Trail Making Test (TMT) A & B and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)) were employed to measure sleep quality and cognitive performance before, during, and after lighting interventions. Significant improvements in sleep quality and cognitive performance were found for both lighting interventions with better outcomes for L2.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 232-239
Author(s):  
Nitayapa Nanthakwang ◽  
Penprapa Siviroj ◽  
Anuchart Matanasarawoot ◽  
Ratana Sapbamrer ◽  
Peerasak Lerttrakarnnon ◽  
...  

Background: In older adults, physiological changes affect sleep and may cause impaired daily function and Reduced Quality of Life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises and body scan meditation combined with music to improve sleep quality and QOL. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment method was conducted. Fifty-nine older adults with poor sleep quality were recruited using block randomization to intervention and control groups. The intervention group was instructed to do deep breathing and body scan meditation while listening to music through Bluetooth speakers once a day for thirty minutes before sleeping, a daily practice to last for eight weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Pictorial Thai Quality of Life (PTQL) were administered to both groups prior to the intervention and 8-week post-baseline of the intervention. Results: The global PSQI in the intervention group significantly decreased following the intervention, whereas the control group showed no difference. There was a decrease in individual PSQI components as well for the intervention group, namely, sleep efficiency, perceived sleep quality, and daily disturbance. The intervention group did not differ from the control group in sleep efficiency or perceived sleep quality, but there was a significant difference in the daily disturbance. Additionally, the total PTQL in the intervention group significantly increased between the two time periods, whereas there was no difference in the controls. The intervention group scored higher in each domain of PTQL, except for the economic domain. Conclusion: A daily practice of deep breathing and body scan meditation combined with music has a positive effect on improving sleep quality and QOL among older adults. Hence, this intervention should be implemented to improve sleep quality and promote QOL in older adults.


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