P045 Profiles of Sleep Status in Older Adults and the Associated Characteristics

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sleep problems become more prevalent in older adulthood having implications for healthy ageing. Characteristics of sleep status are under-explored among older populations. Methods Data from 13,309 adults ≥ 15 years was analysed from the 2013/2014 New Zealand Health Survey, 22% (2,932) were older adults (≥ 65 years; 56.51% female, 21.32% Māori). Five sleep profiles were established according to self-reported (a) presence of a sleep disorder; (b) excessive day-time sleepiness and (c) short sleep; (d) long sleep; and (e) typical sleep durations. Sociodemographic and health risk factors and health status were explored and multivariate multinomial models conducted to identify the factors associated with each sleep profile in older adulthood. Results Of the older adults, 27.8% were categorised within profiles that typified poor sleep (compared 19.35% of adults aged 15-64 years). Older adults were more likely to be classified within the ‘sleep disorder’, ‘excessive sleepiness’ or ‘long sleep’ profiles compared to the younger adults. Among the older adults, multimorbidity and polypharmacy were independent predictors of the ‘sleep disorder’ profile, whereas ‘typical sleep’ was significantly associated with better health and socio-economic status. Inadequate nutrition, age and sex were significant predictors of ‘long sleep’. While age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, and higher quantities of alcohol consumption were independently associated with ‘excessive sleepiness’. Conclusions This research helps establish a picture of the characteristics that coincide with profiles of poor sleep in older adulthood. Early recognition and management of sleep problems could improve physical and mental health status with aging.