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Published on: October 2, 2019
Links between Savoring, Rumination, and Sleep-Related Experiences across Adulthood: Implications for Older Adults
Caitlan A Tighe1, Natalie D Dautovich2, Michelle M Hilgeman3,4,5
1Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 4 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Objectives:
Sleep problems are pervasive, particularly in older adults. Much work examines psychological factors that adversely affect sleep; fewer studies examine those with a positive effect. Savoring is a form of positive repetitive thought that is linked to several aspects of health but has been understudied in relation to sleep. We examined cross-sectional associations of both savoring and rumination with subjective sleep experiences, and assessed if these associations vary by age.
Methods:
Adults and older adults (N = 216) ranging from 20-80 years in age (M = 44.9 ± 15.6 years) completed an online survey of validated measures of savoring, rumination, sleep disturbance, and sleep-related impairment.
Results:
Higher levels of savoring were significantly associated with lower levels of sleep-related impairment but not sleep disturbance in regression analyses. Higher levels of rumination were significantly associated with higher levels of sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment. Associations of savoring and rumination with sleep-related experiences did not vary by age.
Conclusions:
Savoring and rumination are relevant to sleep-related experiences in adults ranging from younger to older. Further investigation of the potential positive impact of savoring on sleep-related experiences is needed.
Clinical Implications:
Engagement in savoring and rumination should be considered when assessing sleep and sleep-related impairment in adults.
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