IntroductionThe aging process causes changes in the sleep-wake cycle and cognition,
especially executive functions. Interventions are required to minimize the
impact of the losses caused by the aging process.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a cognitive training program and psychoeducation
on sleep hygiene techniques for executive functions and sleep quality in
healthy elderly.MethodsThe participants were 41 healthy elderly randomized into four groups
([CG] control group, cognitive training group
[CTG], sleep hygiene group [SHG] and cognitive
training and hygiene group [THG]). The study was conducted in
three stages:1st – assessment of cognition and sleep;2nd – specific intervention for each group;3rd – post-intervention assessment.ResultsThe results showed that the CTG had significant improvements in cognitive
flexibility tasks, planning, verbal fluency and episodic memory, gains in
sleep quality and decreased excessive daytime sleepiness. The SHG also had
improved sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness and significant
improvements in insights, planning, attention and episodic memory. The THG
had significant gains in cognitive flexibility, problem solving, verbal
fluency, attention and episodic memory.ConclusionCognitive training and sleep hygiene interventions were useful strategies for
improving cognitive performance and sleep quality of healthy elderly, but
there was no evidence that sessions combining cognitive training and
psychoeducation on sleep hygiene enhanced the gains provided by these
interventions applied individually.