Evaluation of the sleep hygiene index and physical activity states of the elderly living in nursing homes

Abstract

The aim: the sleep quality and physical performance play a vital role in older adults’ well-being to maintain good overall health. Therefore, the parameters that have a role in sleep and physical capacity are crucial to achieve a healthy aging outcome. In this study, we aimed at comparing the quality of sleep and physical activity state of the elderly living in 5 nursing homes. Methods: the 181 elderly individuals living in 5 nursing homes were included in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity, sleep hygiene index and demographics were analysed using SPPS 23.0. Results: overall, 68.5 % of the participants were male, and 31.5 % were female. There was no significant correlation between the sleep hygiene scores and physical activity states (p >0.05). Those who were divorced, those who were on at least one type of medication, those who smoked and those with poor perception of health had statistically significant difference in terms of the Sleep Hygiene Index (p<0.05). Conclusion: other than findings of the presented study that influence sleep and physical activity, the many other factors in different geographical areas or cultures could be a reason that is interrelated with sleep quality and physical performance of older adults. In this study, for primary care and family physicians to boost the sleep quality of the elderly, we recommend improving their health perception, quitting smoking, discontinuing unnecessary medications, and increasing their social interactions