The Association Between Physiologic Sources of Pain and Sleep Quality in Older Adults and People with Dementia

Abstract

The association between physiologic sources of pain and sleep quality in older adults and people with dementia was examined in this dissertation. Previous research illustrates multiple factors contribute to sleep quality outcomes. Musculoskeletal pain, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal discomfort, and genitourinary pain were examined in relation to sleep quality in older adults and people with dementia. No theory currently exists to guide this nursing research, therefore an illustration of pain and sleep quality in older adults and people with dementia was utilized. Descriptive data analysis and logistic regression were used to address the study aims. The findings from this research illustrate dementia, gender, pillow use, respiratory distress, and urinary retention were factors statistically significantly associated with nighttime sleep quality in older adults and people with dementia. Results from this study suggest comprehensive assessments of pain and sleep for older adults and PWD are needed. Future studies may include larger sample sizes with multiple different long-term care organizations using different payer sources. Research exploring factors associated with poor sleep and developing and testing of interventions that address these contributing factors may also improve sleep outcomes.