Daytime Sleeping, Sleep Disturbance, and Circadian Rhythms in the Nursing Home

Sixty-nine percent of observed nursing home residents exhibited abnormal daytime sleeping.

• Of those with daytime sleeping, 60% also reported disturbed nighttime sleep.
• Sleep disturbance and daytime sleeping were infrequently documented in medical records.
• Residents spent approximately one-third of their day in their rooms, primarily in bed, with limited outdoor activity and light exposure.
• Increased time spent in bed and reduced social activity were significant predictors of daytime sleepiness.
• A striking 97% of assessed residents demonstrated abnormal circadian rhythms.
• More daytime sleeping and less nighttime sleep correlated with weaker circadian activity rhythms, while increased bright light exposure was linked to a later peak in circadian rhythm.

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