Significant improvement in sleep in people with intellectual disabilities living in residential settings by non-pharmaceutical interventions

Abstract

Background: Although about 15 to 50 percent of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in residential settings suffer from sleep problems, scant attention is paid to these problems. Most available studies focus on pharmaceutical solutions. In this study we focus on improving sleep in people with intellectual disabilities living in residential settings by non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Method: The design is a multiple case study using actigraphy. Following a baseline measurement of people with ID, we recommended an intervention such as bedtime scheduling. This was followed by an effect measurement.

Results: Sleep efficiency, sleep latency and rising latency improved significantly. The time spent in bed also decreased significantly and the hours of sleep while in bed increased significantly.

Conclusion: For people with ID, sleep can be improved by non-pharmaceutical interventions. A multidisciplinary approach is helpful in selecting an adequate intervention.