Managing insomnia in older adults.

Nurses frequently care for patients with complaints of insomnia in the hospital and community settings. Because older adults with insomnia present unique challenges for successful patient management, nurses should understand the latest assessment and treatment options.

Development and Validation of the Operational Definitions of the Defining Characteristics of the Nursing Diagnosis of Insomnia in the Occupational Health Setting.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate the operational definition (ODs) for each defining characteristic (DC) contained in the Nursing Diagnosis (ND) "insomnia" (00095) in the occupational health context. METHODS: Methodological study carried out in two stages, including a consensus of experts to develop the ODs (Stage 1) and an online Delphi panel, performed in two rounds, to validate them (Stage 2). FINDINGS: The 15 ODs proposed in Stage 1 were narrowed down to six validated ODs in the first round (diagnostic content validity index [DCVI] = 0.80-0.89). In the second round, five ODs were validated (DCVI = 0.80-0.94). Finally, the remaining four ODs were validated by the general consensus of experts. CONCLUSIONS: The ODs were validated, although there remains some doubt as to whether some of the DCs can be applied to the field of occupational health. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The ODs developed and validated could improve the diagnostic accuracy of the ND "insomnia" (00095) in the context of occupational health.

Primary care treatment of insomnia: study protocol for a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial comparing nurse-delivered sleep restriction therapy to sleep hygiene (the HABIT trial).

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder that negatively affects quality of life. Multicomponent cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment but access remains limited, particularly in primary care. Sleep restriction therapy (SRT) is one of the principal active components of CBT and could be delivered by generalist staff in primary care. The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to establish whether nurse-delivered SRT for insomnia disorder is clinically and cost-effective compared with sleep hygiene advice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In the HABIT (Health-professional Administered Brief Insomnia Therapy) trial, 588 participants meeting criteria for insomnia disorder will be recruited from primary care in England and randomised (1:1) to either nurse-delivered SRT (plus sleep hygiene booklet) or sleep hygiene booklet on its own. SRT will be delivered over 4 weekly sessions; total therapy time is approximately 1 hour. Outcomes will be collected at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months post-randomisation. The primary outcome is self-reported insomnia severity using the Insomnia Severity Index at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include health-related and sleep-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, use of prescribed sleep medication, diary and actigraphy-recorded sleep parameters, and work productivity. Analyses will be intention-to-treat. Moderation and mediation analyses will be conducted and a cost-utility analysis and process evaluation will be performed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was granted by the Yorkshire and the Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee (reference: 18/YH/0153). We will publish our primary findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. There will be further outputs in relation to process evaluation and secondary analyses focussed on moderation and mediation. Trial results could make the case for the introduction of nurse-delivered sleep therapy in primary care, increasing access to evidence-based treatment for people with insomnia disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN42499563.

Managing insomnia in older adults.

NPs frequently care for patients with complaints of insomnia in the hospital and community settings. Because older adults with insomnia present unique challenges for successful management, NPs should understand the latest assessment and treatment options.

Problems of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy: a general population study.

OBJECTIVE: To study regulatory problems (RPs) of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy, and explore the influence of maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems. DESIGN AND SETTING: Data were collected in the general child health surveillance delivered to infant families by community health nurses (CHNs). Information on CHNs' assessments and conclusions were obtained on 2598 infants and merged with data from national registers. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to study RPs in early and late infancy, and the influences due to child, family and parent-child relationship problems. RESULTS: Combined RPs (C-RPs), defined as two or more simultaneous problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying, was identified in 2.9% and 8.6% of the population between age 2-6 and 8-11 months, respectively. Low maternal schooling and immigrant parents were associated with an increased risk of late C-RPs, but RPs in early infancy stand out as the main predictor of late C-RPs OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.8 to 6.6), and the effect of early maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems seem to be mediated by early C-RPs. CONCLUSIONS: Combined problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying may exist throughout infancy independently of exposures to maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems. The results indicate that infants with RPs exceeding age 2 months need special attention, in clinical as well as community settings. Suggested intervention includes specific guidance to the parents to help them understand and regulate their infant's sensitivity and reactions.

Association between sleep disturbance in Alzheimer's disease patients and burden on and health status of their caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbance in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients may have a negative impact not only on patients themselves but also on the physical and mental health of their caregivers. Detailed analysis of these issues is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between sleep disturbance in AD patients and the burden on, and health status of, their caregivers in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey among caregivers of AD patients with insomnia symptoms in Japan. Demographic data and Sleep Disorders Inventory (SDI) scores for patients, caregiver burden (Burden Index of Caregivers-11 [BIC-11]) and health status, including Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey v2, were collected. Multivariate analysis was used to examine the association between the burden and health status of caregivers and sleep disturbance in their care recipients with AD. RESULTS: A total of 496 caregivers of AD patients with insomnia symptoms were examined in this study. We found that the BIC-11 total score increased as the SDI score increased, indicating a significant positive association, even after adjusting for confounding factors. We also found an association between sleep disturbances of AD patients and health of caregivers (sleep quality, depression, and physical/mental quality of life). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that sleep disturbance in AD patients was associated with an increased burden and poorer health status of caregivers. Our findings highlight the importance of sleep management in AD patients.

Enfermería y tratamiento no farmacológico para el manejo del insomnio / Nursing and no drug for the management of insomnia treatment

Introducción: El insomnio es definido como la incapacidad para iniciar y/o mantener el sueño. Es el trastorno del sueño más frecuente y puede producir consecuencias para la salud en todas las dimensiones. Las medidas no farmacológicas han mostrado mejor efecto a largo plazo para el manejo del insomnio, por lo que el uso de fármacos debe restringirse como segunda línea de tratamiento.Metodología: Con objeto de conocer procedimientos no farmacológicos para el manejo del insomnio desde Enfermería de Atención Primaria, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica a través de fuentes primarias y secundarias. Resultados: Como primera línea de tratamiento destacan las terapias conductuales y cognitivo-conductuales asociadas a la educación para la salud y medidas de higiene de sueño. Según algunos estudios, nueve consultas de 30 minutos, con intervenciones no farmacológicas, reducirían el insomnio crónico con efectividad del 70 al 80%. Además existen terapias alternativas que asociadas como terapias complementarias pueden ayudar al manejo del insomnio con nivel de evidencia suficiente.Conclusiones: Las medidas no farmacológicas deben utilizarse como primera línea de tratamiento. Sin embargo, en nuestro país, apenas se prescriben y existe un alto consumo de fármacos destinados a solucionar este problema, con las consiguientes consecuencias para la salud que producen. Para poder abordar la situación se considera fundamental una mejora de los recursos humanos profesionales y formación al respecto

Introduction: Insomnia is defined as the inability to initiate or maintain sleep. It is the most common sleep disorder and can produced consequences for health in all aspect. Non-pharmacological measures have shown better effect in the long management of insomnia, so the use of drugs should be restricted as a second-line treatment.Methodology: In order to learn about non-pharmacological management procedures of insomnia from primary care nursing, we conducer a literature review through primary and secondary sources.Results: As first line treatment include therapies behavioural and cognitive-behavioural associated with education for health and the sleep hygiene measures. According to some studies, nine 30-minute, non-pharmacological interventions queries, reduce chronic insomnia with effectiveness of 70 to 80%. Also there are alternative therapies such as the use of valerian to associate as complementary therapy can help the Management of insomnia with good level of evidence.Conclusions: Non- pharmacological measures should be used as a first line of treatment. However in our country to penalties are prescribed and there is high consumption of drugs for this problem, with the resulting consequences for the health of tolerance and dependence producing the maintained consumption of these dugs. Addressing the situation is considered essential to an improvement of the professional human resources and training

Mejorar el sueño nocturno de los pacientes críticos / Improve night sleep in critical patients

No disponible

Implications and recommendations for addressing insomnia disorder.

Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, are a common complication of many physical and mental health problems. This article reviews insomnia disorder, including assessment, comorbidities, and management. It is imperative that primary care providers understand how to provide the safest pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments to patients with insomnia.

Excessive daytime sleepiness in general hospital nurses: prevalence, correlates, and its association with adverse events.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and correlates of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in a population of hospital nurses in South China as well as the influence of EDS on the occurrence of adverse events. METHODS: A total of 1102 nurses working in a large medical center were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study (96.9% females, mean age 29.6 years). They all completed a self-reported questionnaire consisting of items on demographic variables, lifestyle factors, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and both work-related and sleep-related characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 1048 nurses gave a valid response (response rate 95.1%). Among them, 169 (16.1%) reported EDS as defined as an Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥ 14. Depression (adjusted odds ratio = 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.51-3.31), anxiety (1.65; 1.02-2.67), insomnia (2.29; 1.56-3.36), rotating shift work (1.98; 1.03-3.83), and low interest in work (1.74; 1.01-2.99) were all independent risk factors of the occurrence of EDS. EDS is associated with the occurrence of adverse events after controlling for confounding factors (adjusted OR 1.83, CI 1.26 to 2.67). CONCLUSIONS: EDS was common among this relatively young and healthy nurse population in south China. There were clear associations between EDS and depression, anxiety, insomnia, rotating shift work, and low work-related interest. Furthermore, EDS was an independent risk factor in the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) in our subjects.

Nurse-led brief sleep education intervention aimed at parents of school-aged children with neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders: Results from a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To test the effects of a single-session parent sleep educational intervention, led by a pediatric nurse, on sleep in a group of school-aged children attending a National Health Service mental health clinic in Murcia, Spain. DESIGN AND METHODS: Parents/caregivers of 26 children (mean age = 8.58 years; standard deviation = 0.58; 80.8% male) with neurodevelopmental or mental health disorders (84.6% pervasive developmental disorder), and with a suspicion of a behavioral sleep problem, participated in a 45-min group educational session about healthy sleep practices, supplemented by a written handout. The main outcome measures were derived from items of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and included an insomnia composite score, a daytime sleepiness composite score, average sleep onset latency, and sleep duration on both weekdays and weekends. Outcome variables were assessed before and 3 months after the intervention. RESULTS: After the educational intervention, the insomnia and daytime composite scores decreased significantly (ps < 0.03). Weekday and weekend sleep duration significantly increased ( ps < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was observed in sleep onset latency before and after the intervention. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A brief and relatively inexpensive single sleep educational session can positively impact sleep in children with neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders. Thus, this intervention meets the characteristics of a successful "entry level" treatment in a stepped-care approach. The stepped-care model places nurses in a pivotal position to ensure that their patients will receive the least complex and most accessible intervention, from which they are likely to get some benefit, and that a sizeable number of patients who need treatment may receive it. Thus, it is important for nurses in all types of practice settings to have an understanding of healthy sleep patterns, as well as sleep disorders in children. Pediatric nurses, regardless of their setting, are in a unique position to screen children and adolescents for sleep behavior problems or sleep disorders, to educate families about healthy sleep practices, provide guidance and feedback, and recommend referral to pediatric specialized care for more complex assessment and management.

Problemas del sueño en los mayores / Sleep problems in the elderly

Objetivos: Comparar el sueño en los diferentes tipos de paciente y ver cómo influyen en este las diferentes variables, como la toma de fármacos para dormir, la realización de actividad física o las enfermedades asociadas. Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal mediante la administración de un cuestionario autoadministrado a la muestra de 57 pacientes en la Residencia San Llorenç de Vila-real, provincia de Castellón, Comunidad Valenciana, en el período que dura el estudio. Resultados: Tras analizar los datos obtenidos del cuestionario en el SPSS se obtienen resultados, como el sexo donde aparecen con más frecuencia trastornos del sueño, que es el masculino, con un 69,2% frente al 52% de las mujeres, así como también el grupo de edad donde más se presentan, que es entre los 86 y los 95 años, con un 64,7% de incidencia. Además, se ha comprobado que un 69% de los residentes que toman medicación duermen mal. No se han obtenido resultados relevantes en cuanto a la actividad física o sobre la patología de base. Conclusiones: Como resultado de la investigación podemos concluir que no todas las variables que se propusieron influyen en el anciano; tan solo lo hacen el sexo, la edad y la medicación de forma relevante. La significación del estudio reside en la cantidad de ancianos que padecen trastornos del sueño y el mal control que se tiene sobre este

Objectives: To compare sleep in different types of patients and see how our variables influences on it. Methodology: Transversal descriptive observational study through the administration of an autoadministered questionary to the sample of 57 patients in Residencia San Llorenç of Vila-real, province of Castellón, Comunidad Valenciana in the period of time that this study lasts. Results: After analyzing the data obtained by the questionary on the SPSS, are obtained results as the most frequent sex where appear sleep disorders are male with a 69.2% in front of the 52% of the women. As well as the group of age where they are given are between 86 and 95 years with a 64.7% of incidence. Also, it has been proven that a 69% of the residents who take pills sleep bad. No relevant results were obtained in terms of physical activity or the underlying disease. Conclusions: As a result of the investigation we can conclude that not all the variables that are proposed influence in the elderly only do the gender, the age and the medication in a relevant way. The significance of the study is the quantity of elderly who have a sleep disorder and the poor control that we have over it

Implementing the Integrated Strategy for the Cultural Adaptation of Evidence-Based Interventions: An Illustration.

BACKGROUND: Persons' cultural beliefs about a health problem can affect their perceived acceptability of evidence-based interventions, undermining evidence-based interventions' adherence, and uptake to manage the problem. Cultural adaptation has the potential to enhance the acceptability, uptake, and adherence to evidence-based interventions. PURPOSE: To illustrate the implementation of the first two phases of the integrated strategy for cultural adaptation by examining Chinese Canadians' perceptions of chronic insomnia and evidence-based behavioral therapies for insomnia. METHODS: Chinese Canadians ( n = 14) with chronic insomnia attended a group session during which they completed established instruments measuring beliefs about sleep and insomnia, and their perceptions of factors that contribute to chronic insomnia. Participants rated the acceptability of evidence-based behavioral therapies and discussed their cultural perspectives regarding chronic insomnia and its treatment. RESULTS: Participants actively engaged in the activities planned for the first two phases of the integrated strategy and identified the most significant factor contributing to chronic insomnia and the evidence-based intervention most acceptable for their cultural group. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol for implementing the two phases of the integrated strategy for cultural adaptation of evidence-based interventions was feasible, acceptable, and useful in identifying culturally relevant evidence-based interventions.

Conocimientos y actitudes de las enfermeras de Atención Primaria sobre el manejo del paciente con insomnio / Knowledge and attitudes of primary care nurses about the management of patients with insomnia

OBJETIVO: Describir los conocimientos, actitudes y actuación de las enfermeras en un área de Atención Primaria sobre la atención al paciente con insomnio. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo. Se envió cuestionario online a todas las enfermeras de centros de salud del área sanitaria de Mallorca entre junio-julio de 2014. Variables: sociodemográficas, del profesional, formación, preferencias de manejo clínico del insomnio. RESULTADOS: Respondieron 138 enfermeras (47%). La mayoría mujeres (92,8%), media de edad 50,42 años (DE=8,9). La mayoría lo considera un problema importante de salud. Solo un 11% ha realizado alguna actividad formativa sobre trastornos del sueño en los últimos 5 años. Casi la mitad declara interrogar habitualmente sobre las repercusiones del insomnio en la vida laboral y sobre los hábitos que pueden alterar el sueño. El 79,7% valora posibles reacciones adversas de los medicamentos que toma el paciente para el insomnio y valora de forma diferente a los ancianos el 80,4%. Los tratamientos que declaran realizar habitualmente son medidas higiénicas (76%), fitoterapia (44,9%) y 22,4% terapia cognitivo-conductual. La terapia cognitivo-conductual es considerada efectiva y aplicable por las enfermeras (63,7%) y médicos (58%). Los profesionales que más se forman son los que practican de forma significativa terapia cognitivo-conductual con mayor frecuencia. CONCLUSIONES: Las enfermeras realizan una correcta anamnesis y evaluación del insomnio, sin embargo algunas terapias de demostrada efectividad son todavía escasamente utilizadas

OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and performance of primary care nurses in the management of patients with insomnia. METHODS: Descriptive study. An online questionnaire was sent to all primary care nurses of the Majorca Primary Care Department between June-July 2014. Measurements: sociodemographic variables, professional characteristics, tuition, usual clinical practice in the management of patients with insomnia. RESULTS: 138 nurses answered the questionnaire (47%). Most of them were women (92.8%), 50.42 years old (DE=8.9). The majority considered insomnia an important health problem. Only 11% had received some formative activity on insomnia in the last 5 years. Nearly half declares to ask patients about consequences of insomnia in their jobs and about habits that alter their sleep quality.79.7% considered the possible adverse effects of insomnia drugs and take into consideration the age of patient (80.4%). The usual treatments were sleep hygiene (76%), phytotherapy (44.9%) and 22.4% cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy is considered effective and applicable by nurses (63.7%) and doctors (58%). Those nurses who attended courses in the last 5 years apply CBT more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses conduct a correct anamnesis and evaluation of patients with insomnia. However some therapies of known effectiveness, such as CBT, are still scarcely applied

Improving insomnia in primary care patients: A randomized controlled trial of nurse-led group treatment.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a common health problem, and most people who seek help for insomnia consult primary care. In primary care, insomnia treatment typically consists of hypnotic drugs, although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the recommended treatment. However, such treatment is currently available to few primary care patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a group treatment program for insomnia led by nurses in primary care. OUTCOMES: were the Insomnia Severity Index, a 2-week sleep diary, and a questionnaire on frequency of hypnotic drug use. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-treatment assessment and a 1-year post-treatment follow-up of the intervention group. SETTINGS: Routine primary health care; 7 primary care centers in Stockholm, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Patients consulting primary care for insomnia were assessed for eligibility. To be included, patients had to have insomnia disorder and be 18 years or older. Patients were excluded if they if they worked night shifts or had severe untreated somatic and/or mental illness, bipolar disorder, or untreated sleep disorder other than insomnia. One-hundred and sixty-five patients 20 to 90 years were included. Most were women, and many had co-existing somatic and/or mental health problems. The post-treatment dropout rate was 20%. METHODS: The intervention was a nurse-led group treatment for insomnia based on the techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. The nurses had 2days of training in how to deliver the program. Ninety patients were randomized to the intervention and 75 to the control group (treatment as usual). Data from 82 in the intervention and 71 in the control group were analyzed in accordance with intention-to-treat principles. Fifty-four of the 72 in the intervention group who participated in the group treatment program were followed up after 1year. RESULTS: Mean Insomnia Severity Index score decreased significantly from 18.4 to 10.7 after group treatment but remained unchanged after treatment as usual (17.0 to 16.6). The effect size was large (1.23). Group treatment also resulted in significant improvements in all sleep diary variables (sleep onset latency, total sleep time, time awake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and sleep quality). It also reduced hypnotic drug use. Improvements were maintained 1-year post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with insomnia can be treated successfully with a nurse-led group treatment program in primary health care. The results support implementation of the treatment program, particularly given the need for increased access to non-pharmacological insomnia treatments.

Sueño y sus características en personas con trasplante renal / Sleep and its characteristics in people with kidney transplantation

Después de un trasplante de riñón, las personas experimentan diversos cambios en sus vidas, esto afecta a la calidad y características del sueño, aspecto primordial para la vida y el bienestar humano, que no ha sido ampliamente discutido en la literatura científica. Objetivo: Comprender en personas que reciben un trasplante de riñón las características, los factores, las alteraciones del sueño y las posibles intervenciones para el equipo de salud teniendo en cuenta el sueño como una variable clave en la atención. Metodología: Revisión bibliográfica de 33 artículos principales de los últimos 6 años, español, portugués Inglés y en las bases de PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, Multibúsqueda de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile y la revisión de la literatura clásica del tema. La información está organizada de acuerdo a las características, alteraciones, los factores de riesgo en la calidad del sueño y las estrategias para mejorar su calidad. Conclusiones: Las alteraciones del sueño pueden alcanzar hasta un 62% en la población que ha recibido trasplante de riñón, asociado a otros factores, tales como la disminución de la adherencia al tratamiento inmunosupresor, el aumento de la morbilidad y la mortalidad, y por tanto su impacto en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. En vista de las consecuencias para la salud de esta población es de vital importancia para el equipo de salud a evaluar, analizar y generar estrategias para mejorar la calidad del sueño en ellos (AU)

After kidney transplantation, people experience various changes in their lives, this affect the quality and characteristics of sleep, primordial aspect for life and human well-being, which has not been widely discussed in the scientific literature. Objective: To understand in people receiving a kidney transplant the characteristics, factors, sleep disturbance and possible interventions to the health team considering sleep as a key variable in care. Methodology: Literature review of 33 primary articles of the last 6 years, Spanish English and Portuguese, on the bases of PUBMED, LILACS, CINAHL, Multibúsqueda of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and classical literature review of the topic. The information is organized according to the characteristics, alterations, factors of risk in sleep quality and strategies to improve their quality. Conclusions: sleep disturbances can reach up to 62% in the population that has been received kidney transplant, associated with other factors, such as decreased adherence to immunosuppressive therapy, increased morbidity and mortality, and thus its impact on quality of life related to health. In view of the implications for the health of this population it is vital to the health team assess, analyze and generate strategies to improve sleep quality in them (AU)

Experiences and insomnia-associated factors in Chinese breast cancer survivors: a qualitative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the experiences and factors associated with insomnia in Chinese breast cancer survivors. BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a common and significant symptom in breast cancer survivors. Quantitative studies are unable to describe the experience of insomnia and the sleep-associated factors from a personal point of view. A profound understanding of the experience of insomnia in breast cancer survivors can provide information for health workers and caregivers to allow them to provide more effective support. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative research was adopted. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 insomniac breast cancer survivors. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Three themes emerged concerning the experiences of insomnia, including sleep neglect, insomnia perception and insomnia anxiety. Participants reported their own opinions on three insomnia-associated factors, including factors associated with hospitalisation, factors associated with breast cancer and the therapies and too much attention placed on sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors would neglect their sleep problems in the early stage after diagnosis. When they became aware of their sleep problems, they were inclined to worry too much and sought help from traditional Chinese medicine. Anticipatory sleep anxiety, excessive negative cognitive activities and insomnia became a vicious circle for insomniac breast cancer survivors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings provide detailed information to help nurses understand the experiences of breast cancer survivors with insomnia. Nurses could provide proper care to help prevent insomnia or improve sleep.

Effect of auricular acupressure for postpartum insomnia: an uncontrolled clinical trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of auricular acupressure therapy on women with postpartum insomnia. BACKGROUND: Postpartum women generally have poor sleep quality because of frequent night-time breastfeeding during the first month after giving birth. DESIGN: A one-group pretest/post-test quasi-experiment was conducted. METHODS: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants at a postpartum centre (doing-the-month centre) in Northern Taiwan, from January 2014-July 2014. Thirty women with postpartum insomnia received auricular acupressure therapy on one auricular point (Shenmen point pressing) four times a day for 14 days. The Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality before and after the 14-day treatment. RESULTS: After the 14-day auricular acupressure treatment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total scores of the women decreased from 8·7 (pretest) to 5·57 (post-test, 36% reduction). Scores on the subscales of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, including sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration and sleep disturbance, also statistically improved (p < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Hormone changes and frequent breastfeeding were identified as characteristics that may exacerbate poor sleep quality of postpartum women, for whom the auricular acupressure intervention may effectively improve sleep quality. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Auricular acupressure can be an alternative complementary therapy to aid postpartum women with insomnia in improving sleep quality.