An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Sleep Hygiene Behavioral Interventions in Improving Quality of Sleep Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Chronic Physical Diseases in A Selected Community Area, Kottayam, Kerala

Abstract

Introduction: Quality of sleep among middle-aged and older adults with chronic physical diseases is often disturbed due to persistent symptoms, medication effects, and age-related changes. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiac diseases negatively affect sleep patterns and overall well-being. Sleep hygiene behavioral interventions promote healthy sleep habits through structured education, regular sleep schedules, environmental modifications, and relaxation techniques. These non-pharmacological approaches are safe, cost-effective, and suitable for community settings. Early sleep-focused interventions can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health outcomes among individuals living with chronic illnesses.
Methodology: This experimental study used a one-group pre-test post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of sleep hygiene behavioral interventions among 150 middle-aged and older adults with chronic physical diseases in a selected community area of Kottayam, Kerala. Participants were selected using a randomized sampling technique. Sleep quality was assessed using a standardized scale before and after the intervention. The intervention included sleep education, regular sleep routines, environmental adjustments, and relaxation techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and chi-square test with significance set at p <0.05.
Results: Pre-test findings showed 79 (52.67%) participants had good sleep quality, and 71 (47.33%) had fair sleep quality. Post-test results indicated improvement, with 110 (73.33%) reporting good sleep quality and 24 (16.00%) achieving excellent sleep quality. The mean score increased from 60.73 to 71.58, with a mean enhancement of 10.85. The paired t-test value of 13.118 (p <0.001) confirmed significant effectiveness. Only the type of chronic illness showed a significant association with pre-test sleep quality.
Conclusion: Sleep hygiene behavioral interventions were effective in improving the quality of sleep among middle-aged and older adults with chronic physical diseases. The findings support integrating structured sleep hygiene programs into community health nursing practice.