Severe Sleep Disturbances in Persons With Dementia With REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Family Caregivers: A Mixed Methods Study

Purpose Coexisting dementia and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) can negatively impact persons with dementia (PWD) and their family caregivers. Little research has investigated the relationship of sleep disturbance (i.e., RBD) in PWD–caregiver dyads who live together. Thus, we aimed to examine the impact of RBD symptoms on sleep quality of PWD and their family caregivers and describe sleep interrelationships. Method This mixed methods study analyzed qualitative and quantitative data (wearable devices, semi-structured interviews, sleep diaries, and sleep quality surveys). Two dyads' sleep parameters and sleep experiences are reported. Results Findings demonstrated that RBD symptoms in PWD affected sleep quality negatively (frequent awakening during the night and shortened deep sleep). Conclusion Current findings highlight the importance of RBD assessment and management for PWD, as it could help improve caregivers' and PWDs' sleep quality and well-being. [ Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17 (5), 247–255.]