Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Tai chi qigong as a means to improve night-time sleep quality among older adults with cognitive impairment: a pilot
Aileen Wk Chan1, Doris Sf Yu1, K C Choi1
1The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
Age-related cognitivee decline is a growing public health concern worldwide. More than a quarter of adults with cognitive impairment experience sleep disturbance. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the preliminary effects of tai chi qigong (TCQ) on improving the night-time sleep quality of older adults with cognitive impairment.
Participants:
Older adults with cognitive impairment who complain of sleep disturbance.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial with two groups. Fifty-two subjects were recruited from two district elderly community centers and randomly assigned to either the TCQ group (n=27) or the control group (n=25). The intervention group received TCQ training consisting of two 60-minute sessions each week for 2 months. The control group was advised to maintain their usual activities. Sleep quality was measured by the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Quality of life was measured by Short-form 12, cognitive functions measured by mini-mental state examination, and subjective memory deficits measured by the memory inventory for Chinese.
Results:
Data were collected at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. Significant results were noted at 6 months in the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score (P=0.004), sleep duration (P=0.003), habitual sleep efficiency (P=0.002), and the Short-form 12 mental health component (P<0.001). The TCQ participants reported better sleep quality and a better (quality of life) mental health component than the control group.
Conclusion:
TCQ can be considered a useful nonpharmacological approach for improving sleep quality in older adults with cognitive impairment.
Clinical Trial Registration:
CUHK_CCT00448 (https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/registry/public/287).
Related Concept Videos
Management of Insomnia
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Insomnia
Multiple factors contribute...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...

