Effects of a cognitive training program and sleep hygiene for executive functions and sleep quality in healthy elderly

Abstract

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.

Social, Biological and Behavioral Factors Associated with Social Jet Lag and Sleep Duration in University Students from a Low Urbanized City

“…It is important to note that adequacy of the sleep environment is part of the recommendations regarding sleep hygiene, which comprises behavioral and environmental practices which aim to promote good sleep quality and adequate duration. 55 In addition, students who daily commute to the university probably had to wake up earlier, since it took more than 1 hour to get to the university, which led to a decrease in their sleep duration during school days in relation to other students. This longer travel time to the institution was associated with waking up earlier and a significant reduction in sleep duration in other studies.…”

Duration of night sleep and cognitive performance of community older adults

“…In addition, they obtained gains in sleep quality and a reduction in terms of excessive daytime sleepiness. Thus, they concluded that cognitive training and sleep interventions were successful strategies for improving cognitive performance, as well as for the quality of sleep in the older adults ( 56 ) .…”

Long-Term Effects of Cognitive Training on All-Cause Mortality in US Older Adults

“…Several studies have demonstrated positive health outcomes as a result of participation in cognitive training interventions, including enhanced cognitive performance and functional ability (Ball et al, 2002; Borella et al, 2010; Brehmer et al, 2012; Cantarella et al, 2017; Kelly et al, 2014; Rebok et al, 2014; Willis et al, 2006), lowered depressive symptoms (Motter et al, 2016; Wolinsky et al, 2009), improved sleep (Almondes et al, 2017; Diamond et al, 2015; Keramtinejad et al, 2019), and overall increases in general health and well-being (Wolinsky et al, 2006). Cognitive training may impact mortality risk through its beneficial effects on cognitive, functional, and physical and mental health outcomes.…”