title: Evaluation of the efficacy of randomized controlled trials of sensory stimulation interventions for sleeping disturbances in patients with dementia: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current review aims to evaluate the sensory stimulation interventions in terms of reducing sleeping disturbances in patients with dementia. The nonpharmacological interventions seem to be an efficient, inexpensive, and easy tool for family caregivers. Moreover, sleeping disorders increase caregivers' distress and may lead to hospitalization.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic literature search was performed. Eleven randomized controlled trials have been found. Among these eleven trials, one referred to massage therapy and acupuncture, and the other ten studies referred to bright light therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results demonstrated that there are no relevant randomized controlled trials of music therapy, aromatherapy, and multisensory environment/Snoezelen referring to sleeping disturbances. Several studies have been conducted about the effect of the bright light therapy, and there is also another study that combines massage therapy and acupuncture therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sensory stimulation interventions are inexpensive and practical for dementia caregivers; however, only bright light therapy seems to be useful to reduce sleeping problems in dementia. The other sensory stimulation interventions lack evidence, and there is a strong need for further research.
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Department, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki.
authors.forename: Tatiana-Danai
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Dimitriou
authors.affiliation: Third Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
authors.forename: Magdalini
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsolaki
mesh_terms: D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: dementia; nonpharmacological interventions; randomized controlled trials; review; sensory stimulation interventions; sleeping disturbances