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Associations between sleep duration, depression status, and cognitive function among Chinese elderly: A
Rongxiu Ding1, Pan Ding2, Liuhong Tian3
1School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|September 1, 2024
Summary
Long sleep and depression increase cognitive impairment risk in Chinese elderly. Short sleep also elevates risk by worsening depression, highlighting sleep
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Public Health and Epidemiology
Background:
- The relationship between sleep patterns, depression, and cognitive function in older adults is complex and debated.
- Existing research presents conflicting findings regarding the impact of sleep duration and depressive status on cognitive health in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and joint effects of sleep duration and depressive status on cognitive function in elderly Chinese adults.
- To explore the mediating role of depressive status in the association between sleep duration and cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), including cross-sectional and cohort surveys.
- Employed logistic regression to analyze independent and joint effects, identifying thresholds for sleep duration and depression.
- Examined the mediating effects of depression on the sleep-cognitive function relationship.
Main Results:
- Longer sleep duration (>8 hours) and depression were independently linked to increased odds of cognitive impairment.
- The combination of long sleep (>8 hours) and depression showed the highest odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 2.40).
- Short sleep (<6 hours) significantly increased cognitive impairment risk, mediated by depression (51.1% of the association).
Conclusions:
- Both long sleep duration and depression are independently associated with higher cognitive impairment risk in Chinese elderly.
- Short sleep duration increases cognitive impairment risk, primarily by exacerbating depressive symptoms.
- Findings underscore the critical interplay between sleep, mood, and cognitive health in aging populations.
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