Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances in people living with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of light therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for sleep disturbances in people living with dementia.
Results Summary
Light therapy showed mixed results, with no statistically significant effect on sleep disturbances (p > 0.05) but demonstrated reductions in sleep disturbance (SMD = -0.38) and depression (MD = -2.49), along with increased sleep efficiency (MD = 3.77).
Population
People living with dementia (PlwD)
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PARO | increase | night-time sleep duration | people living with dementia | p < 0.05 | increased | #1 |
slow-stroke back massage | no change | sleep disturbances | people living with dementia | p > 0.05 | benefit is unclear | #2 |
light therapy | no change | sleep disturbances | people living with dementia | p > 0.05 | lack of evidence for the effect | #3 |
light therapy | decrease | sleep disturbance | people living with dementia | SMD = -0.38; 95% CI:1.25, 0.48 | reduced | #4 |
light therapy | increase | sleep efficiency | people living with dementia | MD = 3.77; 95% CI:-0.23, 7.78 | increased | #5 |
light therapy | decrease | depression | people living with dementia | MD = -2.49; 95% CI: -2.92, -2.06 | reduced | #6 |
We summarize the evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances in people living with dementia(PlwD). A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and clinicaltrials.gov. Up to August 20, 2022. Six studies met our eligibility criteria. Light therapy, the therapeutic pet-type robotic seal(PRAO), and slow-stroke back massage(SSBM) are non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances in PlwD.PARO increased night-time sleep duration (p < 0.05). The benefit of SSBM for sleep disturbances in PlwD is unclear (p > 0.05). Although there is a lack of evidence for the effect of light therapy on sleep disturbances in PlwD (p > 0.05), light therapy reduced sleep disturbance (SMD = -0.38; 95% CI:1.25, 0.48), increased sleep efficiency (MD = 3.77; 95% CI:-0.23, 7.78), and also reduced depression (MD = -2.49; 95% CI: -2.92, -2.06). More large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed and consider combining multiple non-pharmacological measures for sleep interventions in PlwD.