Mindfulness for sleep disturbance in dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective cohort study examining the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a brief mindfulness based intervention for sleep disturbance in older adults with dementia.
IRAS ID
191900
Contact name
Melody Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Dementia is a progressive disease affecting approximately 850,000 older people in the UK. The number of people with dementia is forecast to increase to 1,142,677 by 2025. Research suggests that up to 45% of people with dementia report difficulties sleeping or sleepiness during the day. Sleep difficulties in dementia can have a variety of causes such as difficulties initiating/maintaining sleep and increased disorientation, agitation and hallucinations in the evening. Evidence suggests that neurologically, sleep for people with dementia is less efficient and causes/effects may be less visible. Evidence suggests that as dementia progresses, difficulties with sleep are more prevalent and more severe.
Research shows that sleep problems contribute to cognitive decline, increased caregiver distress and reduced independence for people with dementia. Therefore, timely alleviation of sleep problems may prolong cognitive function and quality of life for people with dementia and those close to them. Currently there is no official guidance for sleep problems in people with dementia, suggesting this as an area of further investigation.
This pilot study aims to test the feasibility and acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a brief mindfulness based intervention for improving sleep in people with dementia. Forty-four people with mild dementia, difficulties with sleep, aged 55+ and a study partner will receive the intervention. Participants will primarily be recruited from South London and Maudsley, Surrey and Borders and South West London and St George’s Trusts.
Participants on the study will receive guidance and training and the Mindfulness based intervention on CD. Participants will be asked to listen to the CD at bedtime each night for one week. The study partner will be asked to keep a daily sleep diary on their behalf, which, in addition to questionnaires and an interview, will contribute to the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy findings of the intervention.REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0376
Date of REC Opinion
31 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion