Do individual differences in state and trait anxiety predict sleep difficulties in healthy older adults?

Abstract

In older people sleep difficulties are associated with a range of poorer physiological (e.g. increased oxidative stress) and psychological outcomes. However, the impact of many psychological factors on sleep difficulties is poorly described. This study investigated the extent to which state and trait anxiety predicted self-reported sleep difficulties in healthy older adults. We present an analysis of the baseline data (n = 292) collected as part of the Australian Research Council Longevity Intervention (ARCLI) study. Participants were aged between 60 and 75 years (M = 65.88, SD = 4.01). Sleep difficulties were assessed using a modified version of the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire and state/trait anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Regression was used to examine the association between state anxiety and trait anxiety and each of the four sleep outcome variables. State and trait anxiety was positively associated with self-reported sleep difficulties and depression (p < .05). After adjusting for age, gender and depression, trait anxiety was a moderate predictor of all four sleeping difficulties. State anxiety was a weaker predictor of difficulties with getting to sleep and behaviour following waking only. These findings highlight the negative impact of trait anxiety on sleeping difficulties in a healthy older adult cohort.