Perceived sleep quality among edentulous elders

Anatomical changes associated with edentulism are thought to disturb seniors' sleep.

(1) To determine sleep quality and daytime sleepiness of edentulous elders. (2) To examine the association between oral health-related quality of life and sleep quality.

Data were collected at a 1-year follow-up from 173 healthy edentulous elders who had participated in a randomised controlled trial and randomly received two types of mandibular prosthesis. Subjective sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI, range 0-21), with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to measure the level of perceived daytime sleepiness, and scores ≥10 indicated sleepiness.

The mean global PSQI and ESS scores were 4.7 ± 3.5 and 5.3 ± 3.9. There were no differences in sleep quality or sleepiness between those who wore their dentures at night and those who did not. Elders with frequent denture problems were sleepier during the day than those with fewer problems (p = 0.0034). General health (p = 0.02) and oral health-related quality of life (p = 0.001) are significant predictors of sleep quality.

Healthy edentulous elders, independent of nocturnal wearing of their prosthesis, are good sleepers. Maintaining high oral health quality of life could contribute to better sleep.