Guide to recognizing and treating sleep disturbances in the nursing home

Objective: To provide guidance on identifying and treating sleep disturbances commonly encountered in older nursing home residents. Methods: Review of the literature in the context of 5 clinical cases. Results: Sleep disturbances continue to be a growing global epidemic, and public health initiatives have been aimed at improving sleep health across all ages. In older adults, sleep disturbances are often associated with the development and/or worsening of health conditions. Common sleep disturbances observed in older nursing home residents include obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, insomnia, and parasomnias. The symptoms and recommended treatment plans vary across the sleep disturbances. For many sleep disturbances, modification of residents' daily activities and/or nursing home environment can be helpful. Conclusion: As the number of people residing in nursing homes increases, it is important for health care providers to be knowledgable about sleep disturbances in this population.