Exploring the Science Behind Incontinence and Sleep

Sleep plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, allowing our bodies and minds to recharge and rejuvenate. It significantly affects our physical health, emotional resilience, and cognitive function, ultimately influencing our quality of life. In late 2020, a study was conducted in four nursing homes to understand incontinence in the elderly better, examining how it relates to their sleep quality and overall quality of life. Let us take a closer look at the finding from this scientific investigation.

The Study

The study involved 1150 individuals aged 65 or older living in nursing homes. The researchers used questionnaires to learn more about their sleep quality and incontinence issues. Of course, all necessary ethical approvals were obtained before the study started, and the elderly participants provided their consent to be part of it.

Findings

The study revealed that most of the elderly participants had trouble sleeping, with 83.5% of them experiencing poor sleep, which was quite a surprising find. Additionally, 87% of the participants mentioned waking up at night, with the most common reason being the need to use the bathroom at 60%. Additionally, 80.9% or participants reported bothersome urinary incontinence.

What Does This Mean?

So, what do these findings tell us? Well, it’s pretty eye-opening. Many elderly people in nursing homes do not get good quality sleep, and a lot of them wake up at night due to the need to use the bathroom. However, it’s important to note that the effects can be minimised with the proper support and reassurance.

A Helpful Solution: Boosters

If you or a loved one is experiencing heavy incontinence that interrupts your sleep, there’s some good news. Wrap-around incontinence briefs can be supported by so-called boosters. These boosters are a blessing for individuals with heavy incontinence. They make sure that you stay dry and comfortable, giving you the confidence to manage incontinence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the impact of incontinence on the elderly living in nursing homes is crucial for providing the best care and support. The study’s results show that frequent night-time awakenings do take a toll on the quality of life. Fortunately, products like boosters offer a reassuring solution, helping to improve the quality of life and sleep for those dealing with incontinence.

Dasdemir Ilkhan G, Celikhisar H. The effect of incontinence on sleep quality in the elderly. Int J Clin Pract. 2021 May;75(5):e13965. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.13965. Epub 2021 Jan 5. PMID: 33368941.