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Changes in Sleep Duration and Sleep Timing Associated with Retirement Transitions
Erika W Hagen1, Jodi H Barnet1, Lauren Hale2
1University of Wisconsin, Madison, Department of Population Health Sciences, Madison, WI.
Sleep
|November 14, 2015
Summary
Retirement transition is linked to later bedtimes, wake times, and longer sleep duration, persisting for up to three years. These sleep changes vary with age and individual circadian preference.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Sociology of Aging
Background:
- Retirement represents a significant life transition impacting daily routines and health.
- Understanding changes in sleep patterns during retirement is crucial for well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between retirement transitions and changes in sleep duration and timing.
- To examine whether age, sex, mental health, or circadian preference modify these associations.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study (Retirement and Sleep Trajectories - REST) with four annual surveys.
- Calculated differences in sleep duration, bedtime, and wake time between surveys to estimate change.
- Used linear regression models to assess changes in sleep parameters 1, 2, and 3 years postretirement.
Main Results:
- Retirement was associated with later bedtimes (30-36 min), later wake times (63-78 min), and longer sleep duration (15-22 min) up to 3 years postretirement.
- Associations did not differ by sex or mental health status.
- Age and circadian preference modified the effects; older retirees had smaller sleep changes, and evening chronotypes experienced greater wake time extensions.
Conclusions:
- Retirement transition is consistently linked to significant alterations in sleep patterns, including longer sleep and later sleep timing.
- These sleep changes emerge approximately one year after transitioning from work and remain evident for at least three years.
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