Measuring the sleep of older people: Tool development and use in the evaluation of therapeutic massage

Authors: Ersser, S., Wiles, A., Taylor, H., Wade, S., Walsh, R. and Bentley, T.

Journal: Journal of Research in Nursing

Volume: 4

Issue: 1

Pages: 55-64

eISSN: 1744-988X

ISSN: 1744-9871

DOI: 10.1177/136140969900400109

Abstract:

This paper examines the measurement of sleep in nursing care settings, within the context of a pilot study which aimed to assess the effect of therapeutic back massage by nurses on the quality and pattern of sleep in older people in nursing homes and a community hospital. Sleep is an important factor in effective recovery and rehabilitation from illness and for the quality of life of older people in care settings. Issues are raised concerning the measurement of the sleep of older people for the purposes of evaluation research. New instruments are introduced, some building on existing tools. The value of self-reported and observed sleep data are discussed. Issues of the feasibility and rigour of these instruments are examined and recommendations are made for their further refinement and use.

Source: Scopus