Gestörter Schlaf bei Pflegenden in der häuslichen Pflege

The majority of caregivers report poor sleep quality and disturbed sleep. The range of sleep disorders is broad and associated with the specific clinical situation of the person being cared for. Of note, caregivers who care for people with dementia seem to be affected more often and more severely.

The reported sleep disorders are also associated with the caregiver’s sense of responsibility, their position in the family, their employment, and their own health status.

The therapeutic approaches must be individualized and include treatment of the person being cared for if their illness disrupts the caregiver’s sleep.

If worries, feelings of guilt, overload, and brooding are at the forefront of the caregiver’s mind, options for relief and support should be sought from the family or from professionals. If mental illnesses are present, specific therapy in the sense of psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy is indicated. Participating in self-help groups can also help.

The solution approaches are always individual. It is important to look for sleep disorders, analyze the individual situation, work on modifiable factors, and treat them accordingly.