Benefit of a healing garden on sleep in neurocognitive diseases

Abstract

Progressive neurocognitive pathologies frequently alter the architecture of sleep with: advanced sleep phase or phase delay, sleep fragmentation, decrease of slow-wave sleep, REM sleep, nocturnal agitation and wandering or even complete reversal of the nycthemeral rhythm. This has a clear impact on the health and quality of life of the patient. Hospitalization increases the risk of sleep disturbances due to inactivity, some sensory deprivation and daytime hypovigilance. The therapeutic gardens offer in an attractive, sensorially stimulating setting and exposed to natural light, the possibility of an adapted physical exercise. Their impact on the quality and quantity of sleep in cognitive-behavioral units has been evaluated in an exploratory manner. The hypnogram of two groups of 30 patients was compared depending on whether they used the garden (weather permitting, in summer) or not (in winter). The results show that the patients who use the garden are significantly more active during the day, have a longer nighttime sleep duration and are less restless at night. In addition, patients who use and walk longer in the garden benefit from an increase in their sleep time. In view of their multiple interests, therapeutic gardens, if they meet validated design criteria, should be integrated more widely into establishments welcoming people with neurocognitive diseases.