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Napping and sleep disturbances in the elderly
1PHS-FPCH, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55414.
Family Practice Research Journal
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Older adults frequently nap, with age influencing nap frequency and duration. Daytime napping duration showed a slight, non-significant trend toward increased difficulty with nocturnal sleep onset.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are common in elderly patients, posing diagnostic challenges.
- The relationship between daytime napping and nocturnal sleep issues in older adults requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between daytime napping patterns and nocturnal sleep disturbances in older adults.
- To analyze how age, sex, and napping characteristics relate to sleep quality indicators.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 132 older adults (ages 58-95) regarding their napping habits and nocturnal sleep quality.
- Assessed prevalence, frequency, and duration of napping.
- Correlated napping data with nocturnal sleep indicators like awakenings, sleep onset latency, and subjective sleep quality.
Main Results:
- Age significantly impacted napping, with older individuals reporting more frequent and longer naps.
- A non-significant trend indicated a potential link between longer nap duration and increased difficulty initiating nocturnal sleep.
- No significant associations were found between napping dimensions and nocturnal sleep difficulties, except in a small subgroup using sleep medication.
Conclusions:
- Age is a primary factor influencing napping behavior in older adults.
- Daytime napping does not appear to be a significant independent predictor of nocturnal sleep disturbances in this population, barring medication use.
- Further research may be needed to explore nuanced relationships or specific subgroups.