THE EFFECT OF THE BENZODIAZEPINES ON THE NOCTURNAL SLEEP PATTERNS AND DAYTIME BEHAVIORS OF ELDERLY INSTITUTIONALIZED ADULTS (SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS, AGED, NURSING HOME).
Contributors: University of Texas at Austin.
Published: 1984
Number of pages: 200
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Gerontology.
Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the elderly institutionalized adult's perception of the effects of the benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics and anxiolytics on his nocturnal sleep patterns and daytime behaviors. Factors that might impact on this perception (age, gender, length of time on medication) were also investigated.

The sample consisted of 18 men and 57 women over the age of 65 who resided in one of three nursing homes. Twenty-four subjects took acetaminophen nightly, 26 took a benzodiazepine nightly, and 25 took no nightly medication. Subjects were screened for ambulatory status, mental status, and medical diagnosis. Data were collected using a two part questionnaire that was completed by the subject for three consecutive nights and mornings. Part one was completed immediately before going to bed at night. Part two was completed immediately after arising in the morning. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and correlational procedures.

The results showed that persons in all three groups perceived disturbances in their sleep patterns and daytime behaviors. Men and subjects taking no medication or acetaminophen perceived less disruption than women and subjects taking benzodiazepines. Sleep patterns were more disturbed in those who had been taking benzodiazepines for more than 30 days. Length of time on medication did not have a significant effect on daytime behaviors. Age did not have a significant effect on either sleep patterns or daytime behaviors.

The findings of this study indicate a need for further research concerning the sleep and rest patterns of older adults, and the investigation of non-pharmacological measures to promote and maintain sleep in persons residing in long-term care facilities.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 45-07, Section: B, page: 2103.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, 1984.

School code: 0227.