2Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Nöroloji Anabilim Dalı ANKARA Introduction: This study aimed to define the sleep quality levels of the elderly living in a nursing home and to determine the relation between sleep quality and sociodemographic properties, circadien rhythm changes and daytime sleepiness in the elderly.
Materials and Method: This study was implemented with a sample group of 136 people who were ≥65 and were dwelling at Gazio¤lu Nursing Homes in Kayseri. Sleep quality was assessed with Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), circadian rhythm with Morningness- Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and daytime sleepiness with Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). In the statistical analysis; percent and frequency distribution, t test and ANOVA were used.
Results: The mean age of the sample was 75.05±6.96 consisting of 59.6% males. 64.7% had not received formal education, 83.1% were divorced. The mean score of PSQI was 6.01±3.17 and 55.1% of aged had a poor sleep quality. PSQI mean scores were higher for females, for illiterate (6.42±3.21), for married, and for subjects with a chronic disease. 49.3% of the aged were “close to morning type” and 47.8% indicated “intermediate type” feature. 23.0% of the group had increased daytime sleepiness.
Conclusion: More than half of aged had a poor sleep quality. Gender, marital status and presence of chronic diseases significantly influence sleep quality.
Keywords : Aged; Homes for the Aged; Sleep Disorders