Impacts of sleep changes on occupational performance: perceptions of older people

Introduction: Sleep changes in the older population can cause physical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral problems with possible impacts on occupational performance. Objective: To understand the perception of older people living in a community regarding sleep changes and their impact on occupational performance. Method: This is a qualitative, exploratory, and cross-sectional study, carried out with older people living in the Residential Village of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. To collect data, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used, in addition to interviews to characterize the sociodemographic and health profile, lifestyle habits and understanding the impact of sleep on daily life. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Six people participated, aged between 65 and 78 years old, mainly single, with a self-perceived good quality of life and regular health, in addition to an abnormal pattern of sleep efficiency in the last month. Nocturnal diuresis and chronic pain were found to affect rest and sleep, along with habits and environmental factors such as screen use and medication. Sleep changes interfere with mental functions that worsen participation in occupations, especially leisure, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, education and social participation. Conclusion: Sleep is influenced by physiological, psychological, social and contextual aspects and influences performance in occupations. It is essential to consider this topic in occupational therapeutic assessment.