Sleep and bedtime routines of non-institutionalized aged women.

Abstract

Sleep is one of the basic physiological needs experienced by human beings. As such, it is important to the individual's sense of well-being. Lack of sleep may result in apathy, irritability, increased sensitivity to pain, and a lack of daytime alertness (Shirmer, 1983). These adverse effects on daytime functioning are particularly significant to the elderly who may already be experiencing difficulty in carrying out their activities of daily living due to other alterations in their physical and/of psychological well-being. In an attempt to ensure receiving a good night's sleep, most people follow a certain bedtime routine prior to retiring for the night. Magnusson (1953) pointed out that performing certain habitual activities every night for an hour before bedtime is of great significance to many people. When these activities are neglected, their sleep is disturbed. For others, a routine is not particularly significant. Indeed, Luce and Segal (1969) suggested that some people are not even aware that they have a bedtime ritual because it may be inconspicuous; an example is the way one gets into bed and arranges the covers and body for sleep. Even without this awareness, sleep may come easier because of the comfort provided by habitual acts.