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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Multi-Modal Home Sleep Monitoring in Older Adults
Published on: January 26, 2019
A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Affecting Sleep Experiences Among Older Adults in a Resource-Challenged Urban
Mary R Janevic1, Martha Quinn1, Philip Cheng2
1School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract:
BackgroundSleep problems are common in later life and linked to increased morbidity and mortality. African American and low-income older adults disproportionately experience sleep problems.ObjectiveOur aim was to identify factors perceived to affect sleep and garner feedback on potential components of a behavioral sleep intervention.MethodsWe conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with adults in an underserved urban community aged 50 to 74 (77% African American) reporting persistently poor sleep. We used a rapid qualitative analysis approach to develop themes.ResultsResults revealed multilevel sleep barriers related to both life stage and setting: for example, stress, chronic pain, vigilance due to security concerns and caregiving, and noise. All participants wanted to improve sleep without medications. Intervention components of most interest were contact with a community health worker, a watch to track sleep, and educational resources. The barriers identified here should be addressed in interventions to improve sleep in this population.
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