Examining the structure validity of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index among female workers during New Zealand's initial COVID-19 lockdown.

Sleep is important for good physical and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown created a unique context that impacted psychological and social drivers for sleeping well. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a widely used measurement tool assessing subjective sleep quality. The traditional model of the PSQI (a one-factor model), whilst validated and used across different populations, has also been questioned with regards to data fit and representativeness of its global score in different social and work-related circumstances. Examination of the structure validity of the PSQI in the unique context of the pandemic has been scarce. This study determined the PSQI structure validity amongst employed women considered to experience increased stressors during the pandemic lockdown. The subjectively reported PSQI data from 498 female workers (mean age 44.6 years) collected during New Zealand's first national COVID-19 lockdown (April, 2020) was used. Confirmatory factor analyses compared the original one-factor model of the PSQI with the two- and three-factor models used by Jia et al. (2019) within this pandemic context. Results showed that the two-factor model provided a superior fit of the PSQI data compared to the original one-factor or a three-factor model. These findings suggest that a sub-score of the PSQI with two factors appears to be better at describing the sleep quality of healthy working women during the constrained situation of the pandemic lockdown compared to a single global sleep quality score. This indicates the importance of considering the validity of subjective sleep measures when used within unique social contexts and stressors.

Multi-modal sleep intervention for community-dwelling people living with dementia and primary caregiver dyads with sleep disturbance: protocol of a single-arm feasibility trial.

Background: Disturbed sleep is common among people living with dementia and their informal caregivers, and is associated with negative health outcomes. Dyadic, multi-modal interventions targeting caregiver and care-recipient sleep have been recommended yet remain limited. This protocol details the development of a single-arm feasibility trial of a multi-modal, therapist-led, six-week intervention targeting sleep disturbance in dyads of people living with dementia and their primary caregiver. Methods: We aim to recruit 24 co-residing, community-dwelling dyads of people living with dementia and their primary informal caregiver (n = 48) with sleep concerns (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ≥5 for caregivers, and caregiver-endorsed sleep concerns for the person living with dementia). People who live in residential care settings, are employed in night shift work, or are diagnosed with current, severe mental health conditions or narcolepsy, will be excluded. Participants will wear an actigraph and complete sleep diaries for two weeks prior, and during the last two weeks, of active intervention. The intervention is therapist-led and includes a mix of weekly small group video sessions and personalised, dyadic sessions (up to 90 min each) over six weeks. Sessions are supported by a 37-page workbook offering strategies and spaces for reflections/notes. Primary feasibility outcomes are caregiver: session attendance, attrition, and self-reported project satisfaction. Secondary outcomes include dyadic self-reported and objectively-assessed sleep, depression and anxiety symptoms, quality of life, and social support. Self-report outcomes will be assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Discussion: If feasible, this intervention could be tested in a larger randomised controlled trial to investigate its efficacy, and, upon further testing, may potentially represent a non-pharmacological approach to reduce sleep disturbance among people living with dementia and their caregivers. ANZCTR Trial registration: ACTRN12622000144718: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382960&showOriginal=true&isReview=true.

Exploring older care recipients' sleep status as a predictor for informal carer distress: evidence from New Zealand's interRAI home care assessment data.

OBJECTIVES: Understanding factors affecting informal carers' well-being is important to support healthy ageing at home. Sleep disturbances of care recipients are increasingly recognised as affecting the well-being of both parties. This research assesses the relationship between indicators of care recipients' sleep status and carer distress, as well as carer distress with subsequent admission to residential aged care, using prospectively collected Home Care International Residential Assessment Instrument (interRAI-HC) assessment data. PARTICIPANTS: Data were sourced from 127 832 assessments conducted between 2012 and 2019 for people aged 55 years or older who had support from at least one informal carer. The majority (59.4%) of care recipients were female and 59.1% were defined as having cognitive impairment or dementia (CIoD). SETTING: New Zealand. DESIGN: Logistic regression modelling was used to assess the independent relationships between indicators of care recipients' sleep status (difficulty sleeping and fatigue) and primary caregivers' distress (feeling overwhelmed or distressed). Kaplan meier curves illustrated the subsequent relationship between caregiver distress and care recipients' transitions to aged residential care. RESULTS: Care recipients' sleeping difficulty (32.4%) and moderate-severe fatigue (46.6%) were independently associated with caregiver distress after controlling for key demographic and health factors included in the assessment. Distress was reported by 39.9% of informal caregivers and was three times more likely among those supporting someone with a CIoD. Caregiver distress was significantly associated with care recipients' earlier admission into aged residential care. CONCLUSIONS: Indicators of sleep disturbance among care recipients are associated with increased likelihood of carer distress. This has implications for managing the overall home-care situation and long-term care needs, as well as the well-being of both parties. Findings will inform research and development of measures, services and interventions to improve the sleep and waking health of older people, including those with CIoD and family caregivers.

Near-Death Experiences and Sleep Disturbance: An Exploratory Study Using Wrist Actigraphy.

ABSTRACT: Near-death experiences (NDEs) are nonordinary states of consciousness typically occurring on the brink of death. Sleep changes after NDEs have been described, including shorter sleep duration, longer sleep latency, and more sleep disturbances; however, objective verification is lacking. In this exploratory research, 57 participants took part in a 14-day actigraphy study and were assigned to three groups: those who have had an NDE ( n = 26); those who experienced a near-death event but without NDE ( n = 12); and those who had never come close to death ( n = 19). No significant differences were found between groups for actigraphy data. Paired samples t tests indicated significant differences between subjective and objective measures of sleep onset latency, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency, notably among the NDE group. Findings are indicative of the phenomenon known as sleep state misperception (SSM), which may have clinical implications for the study of NDEs and SSM.

Improving continence management for people with dementia in the community in Aotearoa, New Zealand: Protocol for a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: The number of people living with dementia (PLWD) in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) was estimated at 96,713 in 2020 and it is anticipated that this number will increase to 167,483 by 2050, including an estimated 12,039 Maori (indigenous people of NZ) with dementia. Experiencing urinary incontinence (UI) or faecal incontinence (FI) is common for PLWD, particularly at the later stages of the disease. However, there is no robust estimate for either prevalence or incidence of UI or FI for PLWD in NZ. Although caregivers rate independent toilet use as the most important activity of daily living to be preserved, continence care for PLWD in the community is currently not systematised and there is no structured care pathway. The evidence to guide continence practice is limited, and more needs to be known about caregiving and promoting continence and managing incontinence for PLWD in the community. This project will seek to understand the extent of the challenge and current practices of health professionals, PLWD, caregivers and family; identify promising strategies; co-develop culturally appropriate guidelines and support materials to improve outcomes; and identify appropriate quality indicators so that good continence care can be measured in future interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A four-phase mixed methods study will be delivered over three years: three phases will run concurrently, followed by a fourth transformative sequential phase. Phase 1 will identify the prevalence and incidence of incontinence for PLWD in the community using a cohort study from standardised home care interRAI assessments. Phase 2 will explore continence management for PLWD in the community through a review of clinical policies and guidance from publicly funded continence services, and qualitative focus group interviews with health professionals. Phase 3 will explore experiences, strategies, impact and consequences of promoting continence and managing incontinence for PLWD in the community through secondary data analysis of an existing carers' study, and collecting new cross-sectional and longitudinal qualitative data from Maori and non-Maori PLWD and their caregivers. In Phase 4, two adapted 3-stage Delphi processes will be used to co-produce clinical guidelines and a core outcome set, while a series of workshops will be used to co-produce caregiver resources.

"It's Just [Complicated] Sleep": Discourses of Sleep and Aging in the Media.

The media are influential in shaping beliefs and attitudes on aging and health-related behaviors. Sleep is increasingly recognized as a key pillar for healthy aging. However, the role of media representations of sleep is yet to be assessed with regard to discourses of aging. Texts from New Zealand's main free online news source were collated using key words "sleep" together with "aging," "older," "elderly," or "dementia" between 2018 and 2021. Contents of 38 articles were interpreted using critical discourse analysis. Discursive constructions described an inevitable decline of sleep with aging, including impacts of both physiological decline and life stage transitions; sleep's role as both a remedy and risk for ill health and disease; and the simplification of solutions for self-managing sleep juxtaposed alongside recognition of its complexity. The audience of these complex messages is left in the invidious position of both pursuing sleep practices to prevent age-related decline, whilst also being told that sleep degradation is inevitable. This research demonstrates the complexity of media messaging and the fraught options it offers: good sleep as both a reasonable achievement to strive for and as impossibly idealistic. Findings mirror two predominant health identities available to older people, as responsible for resisting aging or as falling into inevitable decline. This reveals additional expectations around appropriate time use and behaviors with aging. More nuanced messaging that goes beyond sleep as a resource for health and waking productivity is recommended. Acknowledging the complexity of sleep, aging, and society could be the starting point of such adaptation.

"I think I could have coped if I was sleeping better": Sleep across the trajectory of caring for a family member with dementia.

Dementia-related sleep changes can lead to disruptions among families living with dementia which can jeopardise carers' wellbeing and ability to provide support. This research explores and represents the sleep of family caregivers across the trajectory of caring, before, during, and after the key period of their care recipient moving into residential care. The focus of this paper is viewing dementia caregiving as a trajectory, characterised by care needs which change over time. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 carers whose family member with dementia had transitioned into residential care within the prior 2 years. Themes constructed from these interviews indicated that sleep was linked to earlier life course patterns as well as to significant moments of transition in the caregiving journey. As dementia progressed, carers' sleep progressively worsened in relation to the less predictable nature of dementia-symptoms, difficulty maintaining routines, and constant responsibilities creating a state of high alert. Carers attempted to facilitate better sleep and wellbeing for their family member, often sacrificing their own self-care. Around the care transition period, some cares reported not realising how sleep deprived they were; for others the busy momentum continued. After the transition, many carers acknowledged that they were exhausted, although many had not realised this while providing home-based care. Post-transition, many carers reported ongoing sleep disruptions associated with poor sleep habits established whilst caring, insomnia or nightmares and grief. Carers were optimistic that their sleep would improve with time and many were enjoying sleeping according to their own preferences. The sleep experience of family carers is unique and includes tensions between their essential need for sleep and the experience of care as self-sacrifice. Findings have implications for timely support and interventions for families living with dementia.

Characteristics of Atypical Sleep Durations Among Older Compared to Younger Adults: Evidence from the New Zealand Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Understanding and supporting sleep is important across the life span. Disparities in sleep status are well documented in mid-life but under-explored among older populations. METHODS: Data from 40,659 adults pooled from the New Zealand Health Surveys were used; 24.2% were "older adults" (aged ≥65 years), 57% were female, and 20.5% of Maori ethnicity. "Long," "short," or "typical" sleep categories were based on age-related National Sleep Foundation guidelines. Multinomial logistic regression examined predictors of atypical sleep, including sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and health status. RESULTS: Prevalence of short and long sleep among older adults was 296 (3.0%) and 723 (7.4%), respectively. Correspondingly, prevalence among younger adults was 2 521 (8.2%) and 364 (1.2%). Atypical sleep was more significantly associated with indicators of reduced socioeconomic status and ethnicity among younger rather than older adults. Within both age groups, lower physical activity was associated with long sleep status. Higher physical activity and smoking were related to short sleep status among younger adults only. Within both age groups, atypical sleep was associated with SF-12 scores indicating poorer physical and mental health. Having ≥3 health conditions was related to short sleep among the older adults, while for young adults, it was related to both atypical durations. CONCLUSIONS: Indicators of negative lifestyle and health factors remain consistent predictors of atypical sleep with aging. However, demographic disparities are less apparent among older atypical sleepers. This study highlights individual and contextual factors associated with atypical sleep patterns which may be important for age-appropriate recognition and management of sleep problems.

"I need to be alert at night to provide care": Factors associated with problematic sleep among young Australian caregivers.

OBJECTIVES: There is increased recognition that young people (<25 years) may occupy a carer role for family or others with health conditions or disability. This is often in addition to study and social activities. This means competing demands on time, and insufficient sleep. Our aim was to determine the contribution of caring duties to problematic sleep in young carers. METHODS: A survey of Australian carers was conducted, including questions on demographics, characteristics of the carer and care recipient, and sleep quality and quantity. Participants were eligible if they reported sleep time <7 hr or dissatisfaction with their sleep, and were aged 15-24 years. RESULTS: A total of 110 participants (71.8%_female = 79, 15-17 years = 62, 18-24 years = 48) were included in analysis; 55.5% (n= 61) reporting dissatisfaction with their sleep and 62.7% (n= 69) reporting typically less than 7 hr sleep per night. Sleep duration was significantly shorter for those who reported 1-2 or ≥3 awakenings to provide care, compared with no awakenings (p_< .05). Sleep quality, as described by scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was also significantly worse for those who were frequently awoken by their care recipient (p < .05). Worrying about the care recipient, being woken by the care recipient, and listening out for the care recipient were the most frequently identified factors impacting on sleep. CONCLUSION: Young carers experience reduced sleep duration and poor sleep quality. Strategies to alleviate the burden of care work on young carer's sleep would benefit the health and safety of this group.

Sleep disturbance in caregivers of individuals with Parkinsonism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The global prevalence of Parkinsonism continues to rise given ageing populations. Individuals with Parkinsonism who have moderate or severe symptoms typically require a high level of care, including assistance with activities of daily living. This care is often provided across the 24-hour period by a family member or friend. It is likely that providing care significantly impacts the sleep duration and quality of the caregiver given overnight caring responsibilities, in addition to worry and stress associated with the caregiving role. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate whether providing care to an individual with Parkinsonism was associated with disturbed caregiver sleep, and to identify associated factors that may contribute to disturbed sleep in this population. SETTING: Five databases were electronically searched on 30 June 2021 including CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, CENTRAL and EMBASE. PARTICIPANTS: Eligibility criteria included a population of caregivers whose care recipient has a form of Parkinsonism. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: To be included in this systematic review, outcome measures of caregiver sleep (eg, sleep duration, sleep quality) were required. RESULTS: Eighteen studies (n=1998) were included. Findings indicated that caregivers of individuals with Parkinsonism typically experience poor sleep quality (mean (95% CI): 5.6 (4.8 to 6.4) points on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), increased sleep latency and poor sleep efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of poor sleep quality was clinically significant. However, further investigation of sleep outcomes is required using sleep measurement tools tailored for this population (eg, measures that capture overnight sleep disruption by care recipient/s). Additionally, there is a need for appropriate individual and societal-level interventions to improve caregiver sleep. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021274529.

Sleeping in a bubble: factors affecting sleep during New Zealand's COVID-19 lockdown.

New Zealand (NZ) enforced a rigorous lockdown in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. Infection rates remained remarkably low, yet social and personal routines were affected. Factors associated with reporting worsening sleep were explored using an anonymous online survey launched during New Zealand's 2020 lockdown. Participants were 723 adults aged 20-85 years (median: 45 years, 82% women). Bed and wake times occurred significantly later compared to pre-lockdown estimates and resulted in shorter social jetlag (15 min). During lockdown, 54.5% were identified as "poor sleepers" [i.e. score > 5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)]. Overall, 45% rated their sleep quality to worsen compared to pre-lockdown, 22% reported an improvement. Reports of worsening sleep were significantly related to increased sleep latency, reduced sleep efficiency, and heightened PSQI scores compared to those with better sleep or no change. Subjectively worse sleep was significantly associated with less time engaging in physical activity, less exposure to daylight, and social interactions compared to pre-lockdown estimates (p < .05). Logistic regression models identified significant relationships between having more vivid dreams and worsening sleep. Worse sleepers also had increased likelihoods of reporting poorer mood and they also scored higher for anxiety compared to those with no change or improved sleep during lockdown (p < .05). Pandemic-related restrictions contributed to poorer self-reported sleep which was linked to deterioration of mood. Negative affect was comparatively lower than reported elsewhere. These findings provide unique insights to the psychosocial impact of the initial COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand, where the disease outbreak remained low.

Interventions to improve sleep in caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Unpaid caregivers often experience sleep impairments as an unintended consequence of providing care. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of interventions to improve sleep in unpaid caregivers. Six databases were searched from journal inception to 7-Sep-2021 to identify randomised controlled trials. Random-effects meta-analyses estimated mean differences (MD) at end-of-intervention. Twenty-one studies were identified (15 eligible for meta-analysis). Compared to control, interventions improved sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; 12 studies, 1153 participants, MD = -1.66, 95% CI [-2.91, -0.41], p = 0.009, I2 = 90.51%, GRADE = low), and total sleep time (hours; two studies, 122 participants, MD = 0.45, 95% CI [0.42, 0.48], p = 0.003, I2 = 0.00%, GRADE = low), but not sleeping problems (sleep item on Symptom Distress Scale of the Omega Screening Questionnaire; two studies, 529 participants, MD = -0.06, 95% CI [-0.69, 0.58], p = 0.458, I2 = 0.01%, GRADE = low). There is low quality evidence that interventions improve sleep quality in unpaid caregivers compared to control. Limitations include the lack of evidence for specific intervention modes and limited use of objective sleep measures. Future research should explore potential effect modifiers such as care recipient condition (CRD42021278670).

Daytime fatigue as a predictor for subsequent retirement among older New Zealand workers.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited information on the role of fatigue on retirement, either independently or in association with poor sleep. The aim of this study was to examine the prospective association between daytime fatigue, measured as feeling tired or feeling worn out, independently and in relation to dissatisfaction with sleep, and subsequent retirement among 960 older workers in New Zealand. METHODS: Data from 2 consecutive surveys (2008 and 2010) of the New Zealand Health, Work, and Retirement Longitudinal Study were used. Poisson regression was used to investigate whether feeling tired and feeling worn out in 2008, along with dissatisfaction with sleep, were associated with self-reported retirement either due to health reasons or other reasons by 2010. RESULTS: The risk for retirement due to health reasons during a 2-year follow-up was 1.80-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-2.45) among those who felt tired and 1.99-fold (95% CI 1.34-2.64) among those who felt worn out when compared to those not tired or not feeling worn out after adjusting for several sociodemographic, work characteristics and self-rated health. The risk for retirement due to health reasons was even higher when participant experienced both tiredness and feeling worn out. Dissatisfaction with sleep did not predict retirement due to health or other reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight that workers at risk of subsequent retirement due to health reasons may be identified with rather simple questions on tiredness and feeling worn out even among generally healthy older workers.

Non-pharmacological interventions a feasible option for addressing dementia-related sleep problems in the context of family care.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are challenging symptoms associated with mild cognitive impairment or dementia (MCIoD). This study assessed the feasibility of sleep monitoring and non-pharmacological interventions to improve the sleep of New Zealanders with MCIoD and their family carers. METHODS: A 5-week multi-modal intervention consisting of timed bright light therapy, physical activity, and sleep education was piloted. Sleep was monitored for a week at baseline and conclusion of the trial using actigraphy, diaries, and questionnaires alongside additional health and wellbeing information concerning both care recipients and carers. RESULTS: Fifteen pairs participated, 9 completed the trial. Patterns of attrition and participant feedback are discussed. Case studies showed that six of the care recipients had minor improvements to sleep efficiency. Some also had improved subjective sleep ratings and quality of life. Changes did not clearly translate to family carers. However, five of them also showed some improvements in sleep status and mental health. Health deterioration of care recipients may mask the effects of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to use non-pharmacological sleep interventions for people with MCIoD and their family carers. Given the limited treatment options, further consideration of such interventions in future research and clinical practice is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: As this study was to assess the feasibility of proposed methods, it was an observational study without case-control groups nor a medical-based intervention, clinical registration was not required. A future full version of the trial would be registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trails Registry.

"My quiet times": Themes of sleep health among people caring for a family member with dementia.

This research explores and represents the sleep of people caring for a family member with cognitive impairment or dementia. A thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended comments from 526 carers from a postal survey concerning sleep, health and caregiving. Themes are presented within a framework of five dimensions of sleep health. Themes of sleep duration included striking a balance between 'achieving the hours' whilst also sacrificing sleep to manage responsibilities. Themes of sleep efficiency included symptoms of insomnia ('losing sleep over the situation') and 'sleeping on guard' in case night-time support was required. Timing of sleep was themed as either restricted to 'when the one I care for sleeps' or salvaged as a luxury 'quiet time'. Levels of alertness were represented within themes of being 'tired all of the time' whilst also in a state of 'high alert'. Finally, overall sleep satisfaction ranged from themes concerning 'sleeping fine at the moment' to sleep being 'a big problem'. The sleep experience of family carers is unique and often includes tensions between roles and responsibilities and their own need for sleep and well-being. Findings have implications for community support and healthcare interventions for families affected by dementia.

Factors associated with the sleep of carers: A survey of New Zealanders supporting a family member with cognitive impairment or dementia.

Sleep is important for healthy ageing. Data are limited concerning the sleep and health of New Zealand families affected by cognitive impairment or dementia. This postal survey asked about the sleep of 526 family carers and explored predictors of, and outcomes associated with poorer sleep. Linear and binominal logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors and outcomes of carers' sleep status. Using the Insomnia Severity Index, 23.5% of carers scored in the moderate-severe range and 43.0% in the mild range for sleep disturbance. More than a quarter indicated that their family member had difficulties falling asleep, getting up during the night, or waking too early. Over half of care recipients were considered to sleep too much during the day. Independent predictors for carers' reporting greater sleep disturbance included being female, caregiving at night, poorer self-rated health, and the care recipient having more disturbed sleep. Moderate-severe sleep disturbance was independently associated with poorer self-rated health and living standards, use of sleeping medications, as well as considering transitioning their family member into formal care within the year. These findings have implications for the wellbeing and trajectory of family carers as well as for health and aged care services.

Self-reported sleep problems and their relationship to life and living of Maori and non-Maori in advanced age.

OBJECTIVE: Life expectancy is increasing. Sleep problems are more likely with advancing age however, are largely overlooked, and the longitudinal health impact of reported sleep problems is unclear. In this study, relationships were examined between reporting prior or current sleep problems with health outcomes, among Maori and non-Maori of advanced age. METHOD: Data were available from 251 Maori and 398 non-Maori adults (79-90 years) from Wave 1 (W1) of Te Puawaitanga o Nga Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu. Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in NZ (LiLACS NZ). Four years later (W5), data were available from 85 Maori and 200 non-Maori participants. Relationships between reporting problem sleep at W1 and cohort and health outcomes at W5 were investigated using generalised linear models and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Over 25% reported sleep problems at both waves. Mortality was associated with problem sleep for Maori but not non-Maori. Within the whole group, W1 problem sleepers were more likely to still have problems at W5, compared with nonproblem sleepers at W1. They also had poorer indicators of physical health and pain at W5. Problem sleepers at W5 had poorer concurrent mental health and increased likelihood of hospital admittance in the last year. CONCLUSION: Sleep health is an important characteristic of ageing well, particularly for Maori. Early recognition and management of sleep problems could improve physical and mental health with advancing age.

Growing Reliance on China for Medicines: A Role for Pharmacists in Assuring Quality.

The U.S. health care system is becoming increasingly dependent on China for medicines because it is the dominant world supplier of the ingredients needed to make thousands of medicines distributed to hospitals, pharmacies, and military hospitals. The United States is so dependent that if China stopped supplying ingredients, pharmacy shelves would be empty within months. The Food and Drug Administration is in the unenviable position of making tradeoffs between assuring high standards that Americans have come to expect and preventing drug shortages.

Monitoring the sleep patterns of people with dementia and their family carers in the community.

OBJECTIVES: Gold-standard overnight polysomnography does not reliably capture highly variable sleep patterns across the 24-hour day that are common with dementia and often problematic for carers. We evaluated the reliability of automatically scored actigraphy data as an alternative. METHODS: Actigraphy recordings were analysed from 15 community-dwelling people with dementia (135 days total) and 14 of their family carers (124 days total). Manual scoring used participant sleep diaries to identify sleep periods. Automated scoring used the manufacturer's algorithm to score entire records. RESULTS: For people with dementia, automated scoring identified more sleep fragmentation at night and increased sleep during the day, with comparable sensitivity but lower specificity than for carers. CONCLUSIONS: Automated scoring offers reasonable agreement with manual scoring and may better describe the fragmented nature of dementia-related sleep, which can be challenging to record accurately in a sleep diary. Automated scoring reduces participant burden and could improve research and treatment protocols.