Napping and Nighttime Sleep: Findings From an Occupation-Based Intervention

Am J Occup Ther. 2016 Jul-Aug;70(4):7004270010p1-7. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2016.017657.

Abstract

Objective: To describe sleeping behaviors and trends over time among an ethnically diverse group of community-living older adults.

Method: A descriptive secondary data analysis of a subsample (n = 217) from the Lifestyle Redesign randomized controlled trial was done to explore baseline napping and sleeping patterns as well as 6-mo changes in these outcomes.

Results: At baseline, the average time sleeping was 8.2 hr daily (standard deviation = 1.7). Among all participants, 29% reported daytime napping at baseline, of which 36% no longer napped at follow-up. Among participants who stopped napping, those who received an occupation-based intervention (n = 98) replaced napping time with nighttime sleep, and those not receiving an intervention (n = 119) experienced a net loss of total sleep (p < .05).

Conclusion: Among participants who stopped napping, the occupation-based intervention may be related to enhanced sleep. More research examining the role of occupation-based interventions in improving sleep is warranted.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00786344.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Independent Living
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Occupational Therapy / methods*
  • Quality of Life
  • Sleep / physiology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / rehabilitation

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00786344