# Impact of horticulture therapy on sleep quality in geriatrics

## TL;DR

Horticulture therapy significantly improved sleep quality in elderly people living in geriatric homes.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates that horticulture therapy is an effective, safe, and low-cost non-pharmacological intervention for improving sleep in older adults.

## Key findings

- Severe sleep problems in elderly participants decreased from 92% to 0% after six weeks of horticulture therapy.
- Most participants shifted from severe sleep problems to mild or moderate categories.
- Statistical analysis confirmed significant improvement in sleep quality (t = 27.768, p < 0.001).

## Abstract

Sleep problems are common in the elderly, affecting overall health and well-being. A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test
study was conducted among 50 elderly in geriatric homes of Gujarat, where participants received six weeks of horticulture therapy. Sleep
quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data showed significant improvement, with severe sleep problems reducing
from 92% to 0% and most participants shifting to mild or moderate categories (t = 27.768, p < 0.001). Thus, we show that horticulture
therapy is an effective, safe and low-cost non-pharmacological intervention to enhance sleep quality in older adults.