ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF SLEEP AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS AT SELECTED OLD AGE HOME, CHENNAI

ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF SLEEP AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS AT SELECTED OLD AGE HOME, CHENNAI

Dr. Vijayalakshmi.K, MScN.,M.A(Psy).,M.A(Soc).,M.B.A.,Ph.D(N)

Head-Research and Development

Professor cum HOD

Mental Health Nursing Department

Apollo College of Nursing, Chennai

Christobel Jesintha J.

Ph.D., Scholar

Apollo College of Nursing

Chennai

ABSTRACT
Background
Sleep problems are very common among senior citizens. Moreover, people living in old age homes  were being deprived of  love from their families and  do not report impaired sleep patterns due to various reasons. Early detection of poor sleep quality and disturbed sleep pattern among senior citizens can prevent or slow down the progression of morbidity and mortality and help them to have a good quality of life.

Objective
To assess the quality of sleep among senior citizens living in selected old age homes in Chennai.

Methods
A quantitative research approach was used for this study.  Sixty older adults who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were used.  Nonprobability convenient sampling technique was used for this study. Standardized instrument—the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used to assess quality of sleep, respectively.

Results
Participants were 60 senior citizens  residing in old age home were selected. Further,  6 (10.0%) of the samples had poor quality of sleep, 46 (76.7%) of the samples had fair quality of sleep and 14 (23.3%) of them had good quality of sleep.

Conclusion
The majority of older participants presented with decreased sleep quality. In the future, studies should investigate appropriate interventions for older adults that involve exercise and yoga, as well as activities to foster their social relationships.