Sleep quality subtypes in midlife women

Area of Science:

• Sleep Science
• Psychology
• Midlife Health

Background:

• Sleep disturbances are common in midlife women.
• Subjective and objective sleep measures may not always align.
• Psychological distress can impact perceived sleep quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare somnographic, psychological, and somatic variables between good and poor sleepers in midlife women.
• To investigate discrepancies between self-reported sleep quality and objective sleep efficiency index (SEI).
• To identify subgroups based on combined subjective and objective sleep classifications.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-two midlife women (40-59 years) were classified as poor or good sleepers using self-report and SEI.
• Sleep variables (wakefulness, fragmentation) were assessed somnographically.
• Psychological distress (SCL-90) and somatic symptoms were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Self-reported poor sleepers showed higher psychological distress than good sleepers, irrespective of somnographic data.
• SEI-classified poor sleepers differed in somnographic variables but not psychological distress.
• A subgroup (15%) perceived poor sleep without objective evidence, exhibiting the highest psychological distress.

Conclusions:

• Subjective perception of poor sleep in midlife women is strongly linked to psychological distress, even without objective findings.
• Objective sleep measures (SEI) identify distinct sleep architecture differences but not necessarily higher psychological distress.
• A significant portion of midlife women may experience distress related to perceived poor sleep, highlighting the importance of addressing both subjective and objective aspects.