Sleep quality and quality of life in older patients with hypertension after nighttime hot spring

Abstract

【Background】

Habitual nighttime hot spring bathing, which improves sleep disorders, was inversely associated with hypertension in adults aged > 65. This study aimed to explore a nondrug intervention for insomnia by evaluating the effects of night-time hot spring bathing on sleep quality and quality of life (QOL) in older patients with hypertension.

【Methods】

This prospective study evaluated the effects of nighttime hot spring bathing on patients with primary hypertension (n = 28) aged > 65 years (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials registration number: UMIN000051274). Between July 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, participants were invited to a 1 to 3-day sleep promotion experience at our institute, which included night-time hot spring bathing and education regarding exercise and diet. Participants were encouraged to continue sleep-promoting activities during a 3-month follow-up period; sleep quality and QOL questionnaires were completed at 1- and 3-months post-intervention.

【Results】

According to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (p < 0.001), there was a significant improvement in sleep quality. Patients also reported significantly improved QOL according to the SF-36® 1-month post-intervention and a substantial improvement in mental health at 1- and 3-months post-intervention (p = 0.013).

【Conclusion】

Night-time hot spring bathing significantly improved sleep quality in older hypertensive patients. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate whether nighttime hot spring bathing can prevent diseases associated with sleep disorders in older adults, such as hypertension. Still, due to ethical issues, this is not easy to achieve. We aim to conduct a systematic review of high blood pressure, create guidelines that can be used as a reference by balneotherapy doctors when preparing balneotherapy prescriptions, publish English review articles in overseas journals, digitize balneotherapy prescriptions, and make balneotherapy more visible through prospective observational studies.