Exploring Food Insecurity and Perceived Stress on Daytime Sleepiness among Older Adults in New York City

The growing population of older adults in the U.S. is experiencing increased food insecurity and stress, which are associated with nocturnal sleep quality and consequently excessive daytime sleepiness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and perceived stress on daytime sleepiness in older adults aged 60 and older living in New York City. This cross-sectional, quantitative study utilized the US Household Food Security Survey Module six-item questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Sleepiness Total to collect data. Participants completed an online survey via Qualtrics. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between demographic variables and food insecurity, perceived stress, and daytime sleepiness outcomes. Three hundred seventy-eight (378) older adults participated in this study. Food insecurity was associated with age (p = 0.045), education (p = 0.022), and daytime sleepiness (p < 0.001). On average, participants with a BMI of over 30 had an increased daytime sleepiness total relative to a BMI < 25 (p = 0.029), and those with two to three health conditions and those with more than four health conditions had higher daytime sleepiness totals relative to those with zero to one condition (p = 0.007 and 0.007, respectively). Participants who had moderate and high stress, regardless of food security status, had higher daytime sleepiness totals than those with low stress (food secure; p = 0.002; food insecure; p < 0.001). Multifaceted interventions are needed to alleviate food insecurity, manage stress, and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness among older adults.