Experiences of Middle-Aged and Older Taiwanese Adults With Chronic Insomnia: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to describe the experiences of middle-aged and older adults with chronic insomnia. A descriptive qualitative study design was used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants from two primary clinic health centers in northern Taiwan. Mean age of participants was 64.3 years, most (58.8%) participants were middle aged (aged 40 to 64 years), and mean duration of insomnia was 5.6 years. Three themes emerged: Imperfection of Lived Experience , Dilemma of Whether to Take a Hypnotic , and Seeking Help from Alternative Therapy . Participants believed chronic insomnia contributed to an accumulation of anxiety and negative emotions, resulting in psychological burden. For participants with insomnia, because of their negative impressions of hypnotics, they usually sought alternative therapies to improve sleep. Health care providers should endeavor to understand the needs of individuals with insomnia and provide them with sleep hygiene knowledge and assistance in safe sleep practices. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48 (11), 21–28.]