0829 Sleep, Chronic Pain, and Global Health in Adults Ages 65 or Older

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Understanding the association of sleep and pain in older adults can help improve their global health. The purpose of the study was to describe the associations between sleep, chronic pain, and global health in adults ages 65 or older. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of data from adults over 65 years in the 2015 Sleep in America Poll - Sleep and Pain by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). The survey included demographics (age, race, marital status, education), sleep (duration, quality, insomnia symptoms), and pain (type [none, chronic, fleeting], intensity, location). Global health derived from general health, physical health, mental health, and quality of life with a potential range of 4-20; higher score=better health. The survey also queried fatigue and stress. Results The sample (N=248) was 65-91 years (mean age=72.8±5.9), male (53.6%), White (82.7%), married (65.7%), and with post-highschool education (54.4%). Average sleep duration was 425±74 minutes. “No pain” was reported by 38.7% of the sample (n=96), “fleeting pain” by 32.7% (n= 81), and “chronic pain” by 28.6% (n=71). The most common locations for chronic pain were shoulder or neck (63.2%) and back (69.4%). Average global health score was 9.8±2.9. There was no significant difference in time in bed, sleep duration, bedtime, or wake-up time between groups. Persons with chronic pain had higher average pain intensity, worst pain intensity, and current pain; they reported significantly lower sleep quality with significantly more restlessness, trouble staying asleep, and worry about getting a good night sleep (all p-values<.02), there was no significant difference in difficulty falling asleep compared to persons with no pain. Persons with chronic pain had significantly worse general health, physical health, mental health, global health, fatigue, and stress (all p-values<.02); but no significant difference in quality of life compared to persons with no pain. Conclusion We conclude that chronic pain has a significant negative impact on sleep and global health in the sample of adults ages 65 or older from the 2015 Sleep in America Poll - Sleep and Pain by the NSF. Support Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing.