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. 2021 Nov;29(11):1160-1165.
doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.03.003. Epub 2021 Mar 20.

Factors Associated With Sleep Disturbances Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions

Courtney A Polenick  1 , Nikita R Daniel  2 , Emily A Perbix  2
Affiliations

Factors Associated With Sleep Disturbances Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions

Courtney A Polenick et al. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to sleep problems among older adults with chronic conditions. We examined factors linked to pandemic-related sleep disturbances in a US sample of adults aged 50 and older with chronic conditions.

Design: Cross-sectional anonymous online survey between May 14 and July 9, 2020.

Setting: Michigan (82.3% of participants) and 33 other US states.

Participants: Total of 705 adults (M = 64.57 years, SD = 8.82, range = 50-94) who reported at least one chronic condition.

Measurements: Sociodemographic and health characteristics, physical activity, media use, pandemic-related stress, social resources, and pandemic-related sleep disturbances.

Results: In the fully adjusted regression models, people who reported more worry about COVID-19 infection, more financial strain, and greater loneliness reported significantly greater pandemic-related sleep disturbances.

Conclusions: These findings identify factors that may heighten risk of sleep problems since the COVID-19 pandemic in an especially vulnerable subgroup of older adults.

Keywords: Chronic illness; Coronavirus; Sleep; Social relations; Stress.

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