Study Shows Indoor Changes Can Enhance Sleep for Dementia Patients

Research led by the University of Surrey indicates that altering indoor environments may significantly enhance sleep quality for individuals living with dementia. The findings, published in the journal Sleep, suggest that cooler bedrooms at night and increased exposure to bright light during the day can lead to better sleep outcomes.

The study analyzed over 26,523 days and nights of data collected through innovative, zero-burden technologies. These included under-the-mattress bed sensors and environmental sensors, allowing researchers to monitor sleep patterns without discomfort to participants. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between bedroom temperature, daytime indoor light, and objectively measured sleep quality.

Changes in outdoor seasonal conditions were reflected in the indoor environment, impacting sleep timing, duration, and heart rate. When bedroom temperatures rose above usual levels, participants with dementia experienced more disrupted sleep and elevated breathing rates. Conversely, on days when indoor light levels were higher than normal, sleep duration improved, resulting in less fragmented sleep and lower breathing rates.

Sleep disturbances are prevalent among those with dementia, often leading to restless nights, prolonged daytime naps, and disrupted circadian rhythms. Such conditions can severely undermine quality of life and contribute to further cognitive decline. Optimizing indoor temperature and light could offer a simple yet effective way to mitigate these symptoms.

Professor Anne Skeldon, Head of the School of Mathematics at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study, stated, “We have analyzed millions of hours of data, which has allowed us to see how temperature and light patterns inside the home can impact sleep for people living with dementia. Unlike short-term studies or carer reports, our approach captures long-term patterns in real homes, offering new insights into sleep disruption and how it could be reduced.”

The research was conducted in collaboration with Imperial College London and the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and was supported by the UK Dementia Research Institute through the Care Research & Technology Centre. This comprehensive study included data from 70 individuals living in their own homes, providing a detailed perspective on environmental influences on sleep.

Interestingly, researchers observed that some homes maintained consistently high temperatures year-round. This insight suggests that reducing thermostat settings during winter nights could not only enhance sleep quality but also contribute to energy savings. The variability in how individuals responded to temperature and light changes indicates that some people are more sensitive to these environmental factors than others.

Another significant finding highlighted that sleep patterns in individuals with dementia tended to align more closely with clock time rather than natural cycles of sunrise and sunset. As climate change leads to increased occurrences of warmer nights, ensuring cooler sleeping conditions and brighter indoor lighting will likely become increasingly important for this vulnerable population, who often spend the majority of their time indoors.

Professor Derk-Jan Dijk, Director of the Surrey Sleep Research Centre and co-author of the study, remarked on the importance of monitoring indoor environments. “This study demonstrates the power of longitudinal and simultaneous monitoring of the indoor environment, sleep, and physiology. We often forget the importance of the indoor environment for health, even though we spend most of our 24-hour day inside.”

The emergence of novel digital health technologies enables the effortless monitoring of indoor conditions and their impact on health. As the research progresses, the development of these “zero-burden technologies” promises to enhance health monitoring and support preventative measures within the community.

In summary, the findings from the University of Surrey’s study emphasize the potential of environmental modifications in improving sleep for individuals living with dementia. This approach not only addresses sleep difficulties but may also alleviate some of the cognitive challenges associated with this condition.