Insomnia and Daily Function in Older Adults With Asthma

The current study examined the prevalence of insomnia and its relationship with daily function in older adults with asthma. Data on 278 older adults with asthma (aged ≥60 years) from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Insomnia was present in 40% of the study sample and was associated with a greater number of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) limitations. In multivariate analyses accounting for covariates including depressive symptoms, insomnia was not associated with having at least two ADL/IADL limitations. However, those with co-occurring insomnia and depressive symptoms were more likely to have at least two ADL/IADL limitations compared to those with either condition singly. Insomnia in the presence of depressive symptoms may impede one's ability to perform ADL/IADL. Current findings suggest that assessment and treatment of insomnia and depression in older adults with asthma may be important for maintaining active, independent living. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(11), 28-36.].