Prevalent Insomnia Concerns and Perceived Need for Sleep Intervention Among Direct-Care Workers in Long-Term Care

Abstract

This study examined sleep concerns among direct-care workers in long-term care and their perceived need for a sleep intervention. Thirty-five participants reported their sleep concerns and willingness to participate in a sleep intervention with preferred delivery forms/content. Multiple sleep characteristics were assessed via ecological momentary assessment and actigraphy for 2 weeks. Eighty percent reported at least one sleep concern with insomnia-related concerns being most prevalent. Those with insomnia-related concerns tended to have long sleep onset latency, frequent awakenings, suboptimal (long) sleep duration, and long naps. Most participants (66%) expressed interest in participating in a sleep intervention either online or in group sessions; interest was higher in those with insomnia-related concerns. Mindfulness strategies were most preferred, followed by cognitive-behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene education. The high prevalence of insomnia-related concerns in direct-care workers needs to be addressed for the well-being of these workers and for the quality of geriatric care delivery.