Leisure activity as a health promotion measure to improve sleep quality in the elderly

A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: Difficulty sleeping is a common problem in the elderly, which has a negative impact on activities in daily life and leads to psychological and social limitations. To improve sleep, the elderly need to perform meaningful activities. Despite this, leisure activities are often overlooked.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to describe the effect of leisure activity in improving sleep in the elderly.

Method: The study was conducted as a systematic literature review.

Results: The included 18 studies were of randomized controlled design (RCT). The age of the study participants varied between 65 and 97 years. The included studies describe which leisure activities have had an effect on sleep in the elderly: Tai Chi/ Hatha Yoga/ Pilates (n=6); Walking/ Strength training/ Home gym (n=5); Housework/ Social group activity and physical activity (n=2); Water aerobics/ Hand massage (n=2); Dancing/ stretching/ computer games (n=3).

Conclusion: Involvement in leisure activity could be a non- pharmacological health promoting
intervention for elderly people with sleep problems. Therefore, leisure activity should be prioritized more in the health promoting work when treating sleep problems.