Psychological factors and sleep in the lifeworld nursing home from the nursing home residents' perspective. A qualitative study

Sleep disorders are common among nursing home residents. However, the possible involvement of psychological factors has been given little attention up until now. We investigated nursing home residents' perspective on psychological factors and sleep disorders within the nursing home environment. We conducted a qualitative interview study comprising episodic interviews with 30 nursing home residents in five different nursing homes. The data was analysed by thematic coding. Nursing home residents require peace of mind in order to sleep well. Ruminations and thoughts disturb inner peace and are, in turn, caused by psychological factors. Of particular relevance is the end-of-life situation of the residents. Nursing home residents possess only limited strategies to relax and achieve inner peace. Psychosocial factors play a central role in sleep disturbances among nursing home residents. Nurses and physicians who treat nursing home residents with sleep disorders should consider the possible psychosocial causes. Counselling and treatment should be given on an individual basis, for example by educating in relaxation techniques.