Neurofisiologi Tidur Lansia: Peran Brain Gym Dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Hidup

Abstract

Background: Sleep disturbances are common health problems among older adults due to physiological changes, decreased melatonin production, and comorbid chronic diseases. Poor sleep quality negatively affects cognitive function, immune system, fall risk, and overall quality of life. Nonpharmacological interventions such as Brain Gym have potential to improve sleep quality by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, enhancing cerebral blood flow, and regulating neurotransmitters.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of Brain Gym on sleep quality among older adults.

Methods: This quantitative research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. A total of 20 older adults were recruited through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. The intervention consisted of Brain Gym exercises performed three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Sleep quality was assessed using the validated Indonesian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test to examine differences before and after the intervention.

Results: Prior to the intervention, all participants (100%) reported poor sleep quality. After the intervention, 8 participants (80%) achieved good sleep quality, while 2 participants (20%) remained in the poor sleep category despite improved PSQI scores. The Wilcoxon test indicated a statistically significant difference in sleep quality before and after the intervention (p = 0.000, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Brain Gym significantly improved sleep quality among older adults, with an 80% success rate. This intervention is simple, safe, and practical, making it suitable for integration into gerontological nursing practice as a nonpharmacological approach to enhance sleep quality and quality of life in the elderly.