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Are changes in sleep problems associated with changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition?
Marika Kontturi1, Marianna Virtanen2,3, Saana Myllyntausta4
1School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101, Joensuu, Finland. marika.kontturi@uef.fi.
European Journal of Ageing
|March 13, 2024
Summary
Retirement can improve life satisfaction, especially for those with decreasing or constant sleep problems. Alleviating sleep issues during this transition enhances overall well-being and life easiness.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Retirement transition impacts life satisfaction, but the role of sleep problems is not fully understood.
- Changes in life satisfaction are multifactorial and require further investigation during retirement.
- Previous research indicates retirement may reduce sleep problems, but its effect on life satisfaction needs detailed examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between changes in sleep problems and life satisfaction during the retirement transition.
- To examine how different patterns of sleep problems (never, decreasing, increasing, constant) relate to changes in total and domain-specific life satisfaction.
- To identify specific domains of life satisfaction most affected by sleep problem changes in retirees.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study utilizing data from the Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) study.
- Inclusion of 3518 Finnish public sector employees surveyed annually before and after retirement.
- Measurement of sleep problems using the Jenkins Sleep Problem Scale and life satisfaction via the Life Satisfaction Scale (including domains: interestingness, happiness, easiness, togetherness).
Main Results:
- Participants with decreasing or constant sleep problems showed the greatest improvement in total life satisfaction.
- A significant association was observed between decreasing/constant sleep problems and improved life satisfaction (SMD 0.27 and 0.19, respectively).
- Improvements in life satisfaction were particularly noted in the 'easiness' domain, correlating with reduced or stable sleep problems.
Conclusions:
- Decreasing or constant sleep problems are linked to enhanced life satisfaction during retirement.
- The alleviation or easier management of sleep problems post-retirement contributes positively to life satisfaction, especially regarding the feeling of easiness.
- Findings suggest that addressing sleep issues during the retirement transition can be a key factor in improving overall well-being.
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