Sleep Disorder Manage in Emotional Freedom Techniques vs Sleep Hygiene Education Group Therapy

Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques vs Sleep Hygiene Education Group Therapy (SHE) in Management of Sleep Disorders Among Elderly

Sleep disorders are common among elderly persons, with deleterious effects on their physical and mental health. Many approaches are used to manage such disorders. Aim of the study: To compare the Emotional Freedom Techniques-Insomnia (EFT-I) and Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) group therapy as two treatments for insomnia in a geriatric population when delivered, and their effects on sleep quality, depression, and life satisfaction.

Background: Sleep disorders are common among elderly persons, with deleterious effects on their physical and mental health. Many approaches are used to manage such disorders. Aim of the study: To compare the Emotional Freedom Techniques-Insomnia (EFT-I) and Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) group therapy as two treatments for insomnia in a geriatric population when delivered, and their effects on sleep quality, depression, and life satisfaction. Participants and methods: This open-label randomized controlled trial study was conducted at Elabbasia Mental Hospital and Osana family wellness elderly nursing home at Maadi, Cairo. It included 60 elderly patients suffering insomnia sleep problem randomized into two equal groups: one group received a Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) intervention, the other had a form of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) adapted for use with insomnia (EFT-I). A self-administered questionnaire with tools for sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression, and life satisfaction was used to collect data. The fieldwork was from January to March 2021.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients suffering insomnia sleep problem
• Age equal or more than 60 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those having major physical or psychiatric ailments or being on medication affecting their sleep were excluded
• These involved those history of epilepsy, seizures, or dementia, current alcohol or substance abuse/dependence (must have >90 days of sobriety), night shift workers, as well as those unable to complete the study questionnaires and psychological tests.