UCSF

Most of the knowledge on sleep in older adults with dementia is based on studies conducted in the United States and other Western countries. Sleep research worldwide of other populations with dementia is meager by comparison. The aim of this dissertation is to increase knowledge on sleep in older persons with dementia by studying a Korean population and to suggest effective interventions.

Literature on sleep in older adults with dementia was reviewed to identify their sleep characteristics and sleep-related factors and to discuss nursing interventions. Two data-based studies were conducted on a pilot study. A prospective observational study was performed with a convenience sample of 12 older Korean adults with dementia who reside in institutions. The first study examined environmental factors for the effective management of sleep problems in four cases. The second study investigated sleep characteristics, including rest-activity rhythms in institutionalized older Korean adults with dementia, and explored associated factors.

Older Korean adults with dementia who reside in institutions experienced fragmented sleep due to frequent nocturnal awakenings and spent extended time napping. The type of institution was a significant factor in rest-activity patterns. Further study with large sample sizes is clearly needed to determine which institutional factors affect sleep and rest-activity patterns in various settings.