0351 Sleep Continuity, Sleep-Related Daytime Dysfunction, and Problem Endorsement: Do These Vary Concordantly by Age?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction It is well documented that sleep continuity (i.e., SC [ability to initiate and/or maintain sleep]) worsens with age. It is unclear whether problem endorsement and/or daytime dysfunction show similar age-related trends. Accordingly, an analysis was undertaken to assess whether initial, middle, and/or late insomnia all exhibit age related change and whether problem endorsement and/or daytime dysfunction show comparable age-related changes. Methods The study utilized a cross-sectional group design in an archival/community dataset (www.sleeplessinphilly.com). This dataset (N=932) was comprised of adults between 18 and 89 years of age with self-reported sleep complaints. Participants were categorized as: Young Adults (18-29 years); Adults (30-44 years); Middle Age Adults (45-64 years); and Older Adults (65-89 years). Age groups were matched to the Older Adults group (n=233) by sex, race, and BMI. ANOVAs with Bonferroni corrections (alpha = .001), and contingency analyses were performed to assess for age group differences. Results It was found that, as expected, SC worsens with age but that this was limited to middle and late insomnia. Further, problem endorsement increased with age (except for SL) but sleep-related daytime dysfunction did not (except for concentration issues). Conclusion These results have several implications. Methodologically speaking, when evaluating the effects and/or correlates of SC, it may be wise to concomitantly assay “is this a problem for you” and “does this affect your daytime function”, as SC can occur without perceived daytime consequences, especially in older adults. Conceptually speaking, the observed discordance requires further exploration. In the past, it has been argued that sleep need is reduced in older adults. While this is a reasonable hypothesis (no need, no functional consequence), it remains to be demonstrated that older adults require less sleep. Support