Nursing homes: Impact of sleep disturbances on functionality

Previous studies have demonstrated that sleep-related problems are common in the aging process. Such problems are greater in nursing home residents than other elderly people. This study had the following objectives: (1) establish the clinical profile of nursing home residents according to their quality of sleep and intake of hypnotic medication, (2) assess participants’ functionality in relation with their quality of sleep and (3) correlate participants’ functional status with their quality of sleep. The study sample was composed of 334 nursing home residents. Results showed a high percentage (72.1%) of poor sleepers in nursing homes. We found significant differences (p < 0.05) in functionality according to quality of sleep and a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the subscales of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and most subareas of the Functional Status Questionnaire (FSQ). The study showed the existence of a relationship between sleep quality and functional status in elderly people living in nursing homes. These results suggest that additional precautions should be taken when managing nursing home residents with sleep disturbances.