Relationship between Night Sleep and Day Time Sleepiness, Activities of Daily Living, and Cognitive Status of Community Dwelling Elders

Abstract

Sleep disorders are commonly under diagnosed and are a significant source of concern in the geriatric population. Because of the high prevalence, complexity, and health implications associated with sleep-related disorders in older individuals, increasing attention is now being focused on this topic. Aim: The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between night sleep and day time sleepiness, activities of daily living, and cognitive status of community dwelling elders. Setting: The study was carried out in the medical outpatient clinics in The South Valley Main University Hospital at Qena city. Subjects: The study included, one hundred older adults aged 60 years and above, able to communicate effectively, and accept to participate in the study Tools: five tools were used in this study; the socio-demographic and clinical data structured interview schedule, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), The Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between elders' social characteristics outcome and excessive daytime Sleepiness of the studied elders. More than half of a very sleepy studied elders reported poor productivity, poor social outcome, poor activity levels, and poor vigilance. Around two thirds of the poor functional outcome' studied elders were dependent in ADLs, and had mild - moderate cognitive impairment. Conclusion: positive relationships were found between poor functional outcomes of sleep subscales (poor productivity, poor social outcome, poor activity levels, and poor vigilance) and the older adults' dependency in performing A DL. Sever cognitive impairment, and very sleepy older adults, that should seek medical advice. Recommendations: Preparation of an instructional booklet to include tips to improve sleep pattern, importance of stick to a regular bedtime, sleep hygiene practice, and healthy life style. Taking into consideration criteria of written materials for the elders should be considered.