Progressive relaxation and the sleep of older noninstitutionalized women.

Fifty-five randomly selected women over the age of 65 years participated in this study to determine the effect of progressive relaxation on their sleep patterns. Using a Pretest-Posttest Same Subject design, subjects spent 8 nights participating in the study. Progressive relaxation was introduced on days 4 and 5. Data were collected with polysomnography and the Sleep Pattern Questionnaire. It was found that progressive relaxation significantly improved certain sleep parameters. Nurses should encourage its use with older women who report disturbed sleep patterns and sleep dissatisfaction.