Use of complementary and alternative therapies among sleep problems in individuals with chronic diseases

Affected of one or more systems in chronic illness, permanent and progressive nature of the disease, experienced in emotional, cognitive, economic and social limitations cause the sleep problems. Management of sleep disturbances that negatively affecting of individuals ability that attention, comprehension and grasp, and that leads to fatigue, deterioration in functional status and daily function and reduces the quality of life are among the basic strategies in the care of chronic diseases. Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CAM), such as music therapy, behavior therapy, progressive relaxation exercises, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, yoga, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, acupressure and acupuncture be used on management of the sleep problems occured depending on chronic condition. Evaluating in a holistic asppect and planning care of patients by nurses is important in providing a quality sleep on individuals with chronic diseases. In this respect, nurses should evaluate sleep problems that lived individuals and they use any CAM therapies to these issues and question the inappropriate of the use of this method for patients.