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Sleep problems in anxious and depressive older adults.
Marie-France Leblanc1, Sophie Desjardins1, Alain Desgagné2
1Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.
Psychology Research and Behavior Management
|June 20, 2015
Summary
Sleep disturbances like awakenings are common in the elderly, particularly those with anxiety or mood disorders. Difficulty falling asleep is linked to anxiety, while awakenings suggest anxiety or mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Sleep problems are prevalent in the elderly population.
- Anxiety and mood disorders frequently co-occur with sleep disturbances.
- Understanding the relationship between mental health and sleep is crucial for geriatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify sleep problems in the elderly based on anxiety and mood disorder status.
- To compare sleep onset latency, nighttime awakenings, sleep quality, medication use, and daytime sleepiness between anxious, depressive, and asymptomatic elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 2,759 seniors (aged 65+) participated.
- Structured interviews based on the DSM-IV-TR criteria were conducted.
- Interviews were administered by health professionals in participants' homes.
Main Results:
- Awakening was the most frequent sleep disturbance reported.
- Increased sleep onset latency (taking over 30 minutes to fall asleep) was the second most common issue.
- Difficulty falling asleep was associated with anxiety disorders, while awakenings correlated with anxiety or mood disorders. Subjective sleep quality was not linked to mental disorders.
Conclusions:
- Findings aid practitioners in diagnosing elderly patients with anxiety or mood disorders.
- The results highlight specific sleep disturbances associated with mental health conditions in seniors.
- Data contribute to the ongoing discussion on the distinct or overlapping nature of anxiety and depression.
Keywords:
anxietyawakeningsdaytime sleepinessdepressionelderlyquality of sleepsleep medicationsleep onset latencyMore Related Videos
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