Quality sleep in residential care centres
In co-creation with care teams, we explore ways to improve the sleep quality of residents in residential care centres. Quality sleep is essential and enhances residents’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Improving sleep quality requires an interdisciplinary and multifactorial approach. To support this, we apply the five core components of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi). These components are introduced to WZC staff, enabling them to better align their care processes with the sleep needs of residents. Through this approach, the project aims to foster a more sleep-supportive environment and reduce reliance on sleep medication.
One in three Belgians experiences sleep problems, half of the residents in residential care centres (WZCs) use sleep medication, and one in three residents with dementia shows signs of nighttime restlessness. A good night’s sleep is far from guaranteed.
Quality sleep improves overall well-being. But how can this be achieved in a care setting where residents—and their sleep issues—are so diverse? In this PWO project, the research team seeks to gain insights that can help improve the beliefs care staff in WZCs hold about sleep and sleep problems in older adults.
After providing education on sleep and sleep disturbances, the team will co-create an implementation strategy with staff to support improvements in:
- Sleep consolidation and sleep hygiene
- Optimisation of stimulus control
- Application of relaxation techniques for residents with sleep problems
Researchers expect that this approach will lead to improved subjective sleep quality among residents and a reduction in the use of sleep medication.
To learn more, visit www.projectodette.be
Meet the researchers
Our partners
- vzw Curando
- WZC Heilige Familie, Kieldrecht
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC), Universiteit Antwerpen
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Institute (CAPRI) Universiteit Antwerpen en slaapcentrum van het UZ Antwerpen
- Vlaams expertisecentrum voor alcohol, illegale drugs, psychoactieve medicatie, gokken en gamen (VAD)
- Laboratorium voor lichttechnologie, KU Leuven - Technologiecampus Gent
- Woonzorgcentrum Craeyenhof, Zwijndrecht