Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (Nov 2020)

Daytime sleepiness and napping in nursing-home eligible community dwelling older adults: A mixed methods study

  • Miranda V. McPhillips PhD,
  • Junxin Li PhD,
  • Nancy A. Hodgson PhD,
  • Pamela Z. Cacchione PhD,
  • Victoria V. Dickson PhD,
  • Nalaka S. Gooneratne MD,
  • Barbara Riegel PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2333721420970730
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6

Abstract

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Objectives: To describe perceptions and beliefs about daytime sleepiness and napping along with subjective and objective daytime sleep characteristics in nursing-home eligible community dwelling older adults. Methods: A mixed methods study; we conducted semi-structured interviews and measured sleep variables via Actigraphy, sleep diary, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Napping was defined as >10 minutes; anything less was considered dozing. Results: Final sample ( n = 40) was primarily female (85%), Black (100%), with a mean age of 72 ± 9.5 years. Few (25%) reported daytime sleepiness (ESS >10). However, average duration of napping per day was 33.1 ± 11.5 minutes with a nap frequency of 2.5 ± 1.5 naps. Conclusion: Our sample napped frequently throughout the day, yet the majority reported no daytime sleepiness. These older adults did not always recognize napping or how much they napped.