A Quasi Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions and Relaxation Techniques on Sleep among the Senior Citizens Residing in Old Age Homes at Puducherry

Ageing is a natural, universal and an inevitable developmental phenomenon which takes place even with the best nutrition and health care. As the age progresses towards senility, they experience a number of psycho-physiological problems. As a consequence of these problems, they often suffer from sleeplessness. According to the National Sleep Foundation (2003), 44% of aged persons do not sleep well and they experience atleast one or more symptoms of sleep disturbances.  Investigators’ experience of working with the elderly persons revealed that those who are suffering from diabetes mellitus with burning foot and hypertension during old age reported to be suffering from sleep disturbances at night even though they were on medication. Whereas other aged persons who regularly exercise and take a daily walk, along with intake of their regular medications, do not experience any sleep disturbances. As nursing personnel, the investigator is interested in eliciting the importance of nursing care and relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises in improving the sleep pattern of the subjects.