Rest and Sleep Patterns and Activities of Residents in Long-term Care Facilities: A Descriptive Study

Credentials Display

Pei-Fen J. Chang, PhD, OTR; Kai-Li Tsai, PhD; Clarissa Richard, MOT; Harriett A. Davidson, MA; Gayle I. Hersch

Abstract

Background:To facilitate healthy occupational participation and highlight the significance of rest and sleep for older adults, this study aimed to provide a description of rest and sleep patterns and activities of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

Method: Secondary analysis of rest and sleep data collected from a funded R21 study was conducted. Twenty-nine residents were interviewed using the Yesterday Interview (YI) to describe their time and daily activities, including rest and sleep patterns and activities.

Results: Average time spent sleeping was 10.22 (±1.77) hr and resting was 4.77 (±3.3) hr. Data were also collected on the personal and instrumental daily living activities in which residents participated during rest time and sleep preparation.

Conclusion: Occupational therapists working with residents in LTCFs are well suited to incorporate rest and sleep interventions that will enhance the occupational performance of daily living activities. Future research efforts should be directed at strategies to increase the sleep health of residents in LTCFs in collaboration with other in-house professions.

Recommended Citation

Chang, P., Tsai, K., Richard, C., Davidson, H. A., & Hersch, G. (2023). Rest and Sleep Patterns and Activities of Residents in Long-term Care Facilities: A Descriptive Study. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 11(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2000