posted on 2014-09-02, 15:23authored byDavid R. Lee
In order to investigate the relationship between the sleep of older people WIth
dementia and their caregivers and the Impact of respite care on the sleep of these
groups: 68 dyads who were approached to participate m this actigraphic sleep
study. Agreement to partiCIpate in the study was given by 40 caregtvers
QuestionnaIre and sleep dIary data were retrieved from all 40 caregivers Owing to
non-compliance and technology faIlures: 36 careglvers and 34 care recipIents
provided data at baseline, 34 careglvers and 32 care recIpients successfully
completed the respite period of the study and 31 care givers and 30 care recIpients
finished the entire study protocol. Analyses revealed that caregivers experienced
clinically dIsturbed sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. Health-related quality
ofhfe scores revealed that caregivers experienced reduced mental health; social
functiomng; and energy/vitahty scores compared to the general population. The
princIpal effects of respIte care servIces indIcated that caregivers experienced
significantly increased total sleep time (p = 0.002) and signIficantly reduced
nocturnal activity levels (p = 0.001) during penods of respIte care. Careglver
subjectively rated feelings of wellbeing were positively impacted by respite care (p
=0.011). Care recIpIents expenenced SIgnificant decreases m total sleep time
dunng respIte (p =0.016) and increased nocturnal activity levels. There was a hIgh
correlation between caregiver and care recipIent total sleep time (p = 0 005). Post
dIscharge, both caregivers and care recipIents expenenced reduced sleep outcomes
compared to baseline levels, indlcatmg dIfficulties m readapting to the caregiving
role in careglvers and to sleeping in the commumty post-respite m care recIpients.
These findmgs suggest that respite care services lead to improvements in caregiver
sleep that may extend care in the community. There are implications for Improved
management of dementia care recipients post-dIscharge, partICularly in terms of
supportmg careglvers in the commumty. ExaminatIOn of disturbance factors in the
hospital from the perspective of dementia care recipients are discussed.
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Publication date
2005
Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.