The Effect of Music on Sleep Quality and Comfort in Elderly: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Overview

The aim of this clinical study is to examine the effects of music on sleep quality and comfort levels in individuals aged 65 and older. Background Sleep disorders in elderly individuals can negatively affect their comfort and quality of life. Due to its relaxing effect, music can be used as a supportive intervention in nursing care to improve sleep quality and comfort. Methods This study was conducted between January and April 2023 in the internal medicine department of a hospital in İzmir, Turkey. Patients aged 65 and older were divided into two groups using simple and stratified randomization: Music group: Listened to MusiCure® compositions for 30 minutes, three times a week, for one week. Control group: Received no intervention. Data Collection Process Data were collected face-to-face on the first and fourth days. The following scales were used: Richard Campbell Sleep Scale (to assess sleep quality) Short Form of the General Comfort Scale (to measure physical, psychological, and environmental comfort) Key Points Music intervention may positively affect sleep parameters such as sleep duration, sleep onset latency, and nighttime awakenings. Music can increase psychological and physical relaxation, enhancing comfort levels in elderly individuals. Considering individual music preferences may improve the effectiveness of the intervention. Ethical Principles and Approvals The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of İzmir Bakırçay University and was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. This research aims to support the use of music interventions in nursing care and contribute to evidence-based practices to enhance sleep quality and comfort levels in elderly individuals.

This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted to examine the effect of music intervention on sleep quality and comfort levels in individuals aged 65 and older. Introduction and Background Sleep disorders in elderly individuals can negatively affect their quality of life and comfort levels. Non-pharmacological approaches stand out as alternative treatment methods due to their lack of side effects and cost-effectiveness. Music therapy is considered an important intervention for improving both sleep quality and overall comfort due to its relaxing effects. Methods The study was conducted between January and April 2023 in the internal medicine department of a training and research hospital in İzmir, Turkey. Individuals aged 65 and older were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: the music intervention group and the control group. Music group: Listened to MusiCure® compositions for 30 minutes, three times a week, for one week. Control group: Received standard care without any intervention. Data Collection Tools: Richard Campbell Sleep Scale (to assess sleep quality) Short Form of the General Comfort Scale (to measure physical, psychological, and environmental comfort) Randomization: Patients were stratified by age (65-74, 75 and older) and gender and assigned to groups using a simple randomization method. Key Points Music therapy may have positive effects on sleep quality parameters such as sleep duration, sleep onset latency, and nighttime awakenings. Music can enhance psychological and physical relaxation, thereby increasing comfort levels in elderly individuals. Considering individual music preferences may enhance the effectiveness of music interventions. Ethical Principles and Approvals The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of İzmir Bakırçay University and was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. This research aims to provide a scientific basis for the use of music in nursing care and contribute to evidence-based practices to improve sleep quality and comfort in elderly individuals.