Life expectancy is increasing, and with it the prevalence of sleep problems that can have a negative impact on waking function and comorbid disease, as well as increased healthcare usage and mortality. This research programme focuses on understanding and improving the sleep of older people, including those with dementia and their family carers.
This research provides the first NZ-based data illustrating the importance and diverse nature of sleep problems with ageing, dementia, and caregiving. Projects include explorative studies using qualitative and quantitative methods as well as a pilot trial which demonstrated that non-pharmacological interventions can be effective for some people with dementia and family carers. Findings provide a platform for future resources concerning sleep with ageing and living well with dementia as well as primary care-based interventions.
Key collaborators include the Health and Ageing Research Team (HART, Massey University), the Life and Living in Advanced Age team (LiLACS NZ, Auckland University), and the Ageing Well through Eating, Sleeping, Socialising and Mobility team (AWESSoM, multi institution), as well as key stakeholders such as Dementia Wellington Dementia New Zealand and Alzheimers New Zealand.
Current Projects
Ageing Well through Eating, Sleeping, Socialising and Mobility (AWESSoM) (2019-2024)
This programme integrates multiple collaborators and projects across population groups (at risk older people, Māori elders, Pacific Island elders, and care home residents) to maximise independence and push back the threshold of disability. Rosie Gibson is responsible for the sleep-related elements within this programme.
Funders: National Science Challenge Ageing Well programme grant
Academic Team: led by Professor Ngaire Kerse (University of Auckland), Dr Rosie Gibson (Sleep/Wake Research Centre) is a co-investigator alongside a multidisciplinary team of 23 from University of Auckland, University of Otago, Tū Ora Compass Health, Allied Health Scientific and Technical Bay of Plenty District Health Board, The Centre for Health, Auckland University of Technology, and Newcastle University in the UK.
The Role of Sleep in Healthy Ageing and Living Well with Dementia (2018-2021)
This project builds knowledge regarding the impact of sleep problems on health and well-being of older people, people with dementia, family carers, and aged care services. Two studies analyse existing national data sets (NZ Health Survey, and assessment forms for residential care interRAI home care assessment), another two explore people’s experiences using focus groups with older Māori and non-Māori, and interviews with carers who have recently transitioned a family member with dementia into care.
Funders: Health Research Council Emerging Researcher Grant
Lotteries Post Doctoral Fellowship
Academic Team: Dr Rosie Gibson & Professor Philippa Gander (Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Massey University); Professor Chris Cunningham (Research Centre for Māori Health and Development, Massey University); Associate Professor Mary Breheny (School of Health Science, Massey University); Professor Matthew Parsons (Professor in Gerontology at Waikato District Health Board and University of Auckland); Dr John McCarthy (Ministry of Health); and Professor Tony Dowell (Otago University Wellington).
Previous Projects
Sleep and Health of Family Carers (2016-18)
A nationwide postal survey of people caring for someone with dementia at home. Incorporating short standardised questionnaires and open ended comments in order to better understand the prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of problem sleep amongst family carers.
Funders: Alzheimers NZ Charitable Trust and Massey University Research Fund
Academic Team: Dr Rosie Gibson & Professor Philippa Gander (Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Massey University); and Mary Breheny (School of Health Science, Massey University)
Self-reported sleep problems within older New Zealanders (2012-17)
Analyses of longitudinal cohort data investigating the prevalence and associations of self-reported sleep problems among older New Zealanders. Including cohort of Māori and non-Māori of advanced age as well as those transitioning into retirement.
Funders: Massey Doctoral Scholarship and Massey University Research Fund
Academic Team: Dr Rosie Gibson & Professor Philippa Gander (Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Massey University), Professor Ngaire Kerse, Dr Mere Kepa and Dr Simon Moyes of University of Auckland’s Te Puāwaitanga O Ngā Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu/ Life and Living in Advanced Age, a Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ). Professor Christine Stephens and Professor Fiona Alpass of the Health and Ageung Research Team (HART, Massey University) and Saana Saana Myllyntausta (Doctoral candidate, University of Turku)
Automated versus manual scoring of actigraphy data concerning people with dementia and their carers (2016)
Validation of automated methods of actigraphy scoring of data concerning people with dementia and carers in order to inform the design of reliable and ethical research studies in the future (using data from non-pharmacological pilot study – see below).
Funders: Massey University Research Fund
Academic Team: Dr Rosie Gibson & Professor Philippa Gander (Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Massey University)
Pilot of non-pharmacological interventions to manage dementia-related sleep problems (2011-2014)
A feasibility study to trial the methodology required to undertake a non-pharmacological intervention to help improve the sleep and wellbeing of people with dementia and family carers living in the community. Including objective sleep monitoring (actigraphy) standardised questionnaires and a 6-week trial of timed bright light therapy, physical activity and sleep hygiene education.
Funders: Massey University Doctoral Scholarship, Health Research Feasibility grant, and Maurice and Phillis Paykel Trust
Academic Team: Dr Rosie Gibson & Professor Philippa Gander (Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Massey University), Dr Linda Jones (School of Psychology, Massey University), and Professor Tony Dowell (Otago University Wellington).
Understanding the sleep problems of people with dementia and their family caregivers (2010-12)
Focus groups including people with dementia and their family carers to explore their experiences with sleep, types of sleep problems, self-management, and beliefs and attitudes around sleep.
Funders: Massey University Doctoral Scholarship and Alzheimers NZ Charitable Trust
Academic Team: Dr Rosie Gibson & Professor Philippa Gander (Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Massey University), Dr Linda Jones (School of Psychology, Massey University), and Professor Tony Dowell (Otago University Wellington).
Resources:
Sleep Support: A sleep Handbook for Older People Living with Dementia
