الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Sleep is a basic human need. Sleep is one of the more often altered functions in the elderly. Sleep disturbances are common in older adults residing institutions. The prevalence of altered sleeping patterns as frequent taking naps, difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakening, early-morning awakening, and excessive daytime sleepiness, are very common among nursing home residents. It can negatively affect cognitive functions resulting in poor concentration and mood changes, which have a major impact on daytime performance and safety which increased risk of falls, fractures, and even mortality. The aim of this study was to identify sleeping patterns of residents in elderly homes in Alexandria. The study was carried out in all governmental homes for elderly persons in Alexandria. All elderly of both sexes residing in the previously mentioned settings during 3 months period were included in the study. Their number amounted to 230 elderly persons.Data was collected using three tools1) Interview schedule sheet was used to collect data aboutSocio-demographic characteristics of the sample, social activities, medical history, medications used, risk behaviors, environmental factors leading to altered sleep pattern. Frequent taking naps, difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakening, early-morning awakening, total sleeping hours / night, and subjective evaluation of the quality of sleep.2) The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS, 1991) (158) The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) used to assess excessive day time sleepiness. It is a subjective measure of excessive daytime sleepiness during different daytime activities that helps to quantify the degree of sleepiness. 3) Katz and Akpom scale 1976 Assessment of activities of daily living. Katz and Akpom scale 1976 was used to assess the ability of the elderly to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Data was collected during a period of 3 months (from the end of November 2007 till the end of February 2008.