Impacts of sleep changes on occupational performance: perceptions of older people

• Published in: Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional 2024, Vol.32
• Main Authors: Matos, Laura Castro, Rebellato, Carolina, Lopes, Carolina Becker Bueno, Nascimento, Janaina Santos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2526-8910; 2526-8910
• DOI: 10.1590/2526-8910.ctoao286837282

Abstract Introduction Sleep changes in the older population can cause physical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral problems with possible impacts on occupational performance. Objective To understand the perception of older people living in a community regarding sleep changes and their impact on occupational performance. Method This is a qualitative, exploratory, and cross-sectional study, carried out with older people living in the Residential Village of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. To collect data, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used, in addition to interviews to characterize the sociodemographic and health profile, lifestyle habits and understanding the impact of sleep on daily life. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results Six people participated, aged between 65 and 78 years old, mainly single, with a self-perceived good quality of life and regular health, in addition to an abnormal pattern of sleep efficiency in the last month. Nocturnal diuresis and chronic pain were found to affect rest and sleep, along with habits and environmental factors such as screen use and medication. Sleep changes interfere with mental functions that worsen participation in occupations, especially leisure, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, education and social participation. Conclusion Sleep is influenced by physiological, psychological, social and contextual aspects and influences performance in occupations. It is essential to consider this topic in occupational therapeutic assessment. Resumo Introdução Alterações de sono na população idosa podem acarretar problemas físicos, psicológicos, cognitivos e comportamentais, com possíveis impactos no desempenho ocupacional. Objetivo Compreender a percepção de pessoas idosas residentes na comunidade acerca de alterações de sono e o seu impacto no desempenho ocupacional. Método Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa de caráter exploratório e transversal, realizada com pessoas idosas residentes na Vila Residencial da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Para a coleta de dados, foram utilizados a Montreal Cognitive Assessment e o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh, além de entrevista para caracterização do perfil sociodemográfico e de saúde, hábitos de vida e compreensão do impacto do sono no cotidiano. Os dados foram analisados sob a perspectiva da análise de conteúdo. Resultados Participaram seis pessoas, com idade entre 65 e 78 anos