The Relationship Between Sleep and Quality of Life in Older People Living in Nursing Homes

INTRODUCTION: Sleep problems are more prevalent in older adults compared to the general population. This study aims to assess the relationship between sleep quality, sleep propensity and quality of life among nursing home residents
METHODS: A total of 107 nursing home residents who attended the geriatric outpatient clinic between May and July 2016 were included in the study. Demographic data and comorbidities were recorded. Sleep quality and sleepiness were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS), with higher scores indicating worse sleep quality and increased sleep propensity. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows 21. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman’s rho, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Among the 107 participants, 67 (62.6%) were women. The mean score of PSQI in the study population was found to be 6.33 ± 4.03. Of the participants, 65.3% were classified as having poor sleep quality. A positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between PSQI scores and all sub-dimensions of the SF-36 scale except pain. The correlation between the SSS and each sub-dimension of the SF-36 scale is statistically significant except pain and mental health status.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness are common among nursing home residents and are associated with lower quality of life. Dementia was identified as the most common comorbidity related to sleep problems. To improve the quality of life in nursing home residents, addressing sleep disturbances should be a key focus of care.