Duzgu G, et al. – This intervention study explored the effect of light therapy on sleep problems and sleep quality of elderly people. It was disclosed that allocating living places in the institution's architectural setting and presenting social opportunities for elderly persons to get direct sunlight exposure could aid in increasing their sleep quality.

Methods

• 61 elderly individuals participated in this trial, from Social Security Institution Narlidere Municipal Nursing Home, 30 in the test group and 31 in the control group.
• The inclusion criteria for enrollees were those 65 years and older, not diagnosed with major depression, not exercising regularly, not having sun allergy, not using sleeping pills, independent in activities of daily living, and having bad sleep quality.
• Data was cumulated from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Demographic Data Form, and the Follow-up Form for Elderly.
• On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used for sample selection.

Results

• Exposure to direct sunlight between 8 AM and 10 AM for 5 days was effective in increasing the global sleep quality score (P < .001).