The effect of non-pharmacological protocol on sleep quality in a geriatric population

The effect of non-pharmacological protocol on sleep quality in a geriatric population

Sleep quality is an important factor for the health and well-being of elderly people. However, many geriatric patients suffer from insomnia, which can negatively affect their physical, mental, and cognitive functions. Insomnia can also increase the risk of falls, depression, dementia, and mortality in this population. Therefore, finding effective and safe interventions to improve sleep quality among geriatric patients is a priority for health care providers.

Non-pharmacological interventions are alternative or complementary approaches to treat insomnia without using medications. They can include environmental, behavioral, cognitive, social, physical, or mind-body practices that aim to enhance sleep hygiene, relaxation, circadian rhythm, or mood. Non-pharmacological interventions have several advantages over pharmacological treatments, such as fewer side effects, lower costs, and better adherence.

Several studies have evaluated the effect of non-pharmacological interventions on sleep quality in geriatric patients who reside in different settings, such as long-term care facilities, community dwellings, or hospitals. The results of these studies are not consistent, but some evidence suggests that certain interventions may have beneficial effects on sleep quality or related outcomes. For example:

– A systematic review of 54 studies found that increased daytime light exposure, nighttime use of melatonin, and acupressure were the most promising non-pharmacological interventions to improve nighttime sleep among long-term care residents .
– A network meta-analysis of 28 studies concluded that acupuncture, acupuncture combined with benzodiazepines, behavioral therapy, benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and CBT were superior to wait-list in terms of effectiveness as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score among elderly individuals with insomnia .
– A quasi-experimental study of 30 participants showed that a non-pharmacological protocol consisting of environmental changes (such as noise reduction, temperature control, and lighting adjustment), sleep hygiene education, relaxation techniques, and aromatherapy improved sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness in community-dwelling geriatric patients .

However, more research is needed to determine the optimal type, duration, frequency, and intensity of non-pharmacological interventions for different subgroups of geriatric patients with insomnia. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on sleep quality are not fully understood and require further investigation. Additionally, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing non-pharmacological interventions in various settings should be assessed.

In conclusion, non-pharmacological interventions have the potential to improve sleep quality in geriatric patients with insomnia. However, more high-quality studies are needed to establish the best practices and guidelines for using these interventions in clinical practice.

Works Cited

: Capezuti E., Sagha Zadeh R., Pain K., Basara A., Jiang N.Z., Krieger A.C. (2018). A systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions to improve nighttime sleep among residents of long-term care settings. BMC Geriatrics 18:143. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-0794-3

: Kwon C.Y., Lee B., Cheong M.J., Kim T.H., Jang B.H., Chung S.Y., Kim J.W. (2021). Non-pharmacological treatment for elderly individuals with insomnia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry 11:608896. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.608896

: Smith L.A. (2018). Sleep quality effects of non-pharmacological protocol in community dwelling geriatric patients (Doctoral dissertation). https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/nursing_etd/278/