Factors affecting residents' sleep in care homes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to undertake a detailed exploration of sleep in the context of 24 hours in a care home environment, exploring the subjective experience of residents and the perceptions of staff.


METHODS
Qualitative research in four care homes for older people consisting of semi-structured interviews and ethnographic observations. Interviews were conducted with 38 residents and 39 staff, and were analysed using a grounded theory approach.


RESULTS
The findings have highlighted some challenges and opportunities for developing practice in care homes to improve residents' sleep. In addition to pain and physical disabilities, the physical environment and practices in care homes can affect residents' sleep and night-time experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving our understanding of residents' and staff's experiences at night in care homes can inform the development of good practice in night-time care and contribute to a positive culture of person-centred care.
Faculty of Health and Social Care, Kingston/St George's University, London.
Theresa
T
Ellmers
Sara
S
Arber
Rebekah
R
Luff
Ingrid
I
Eyers
Emma
E
Young
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*