Publications
Golden years but sleepless nights: a cross-sectional study on insomnia and sleep hygiene practices among the elderly attending urban health centres in Bengaluru, India.
Varghese M, Kiran PR, Avita Rose Johnson Abstract
Introduction: The proportion of elderly persons aged 60 years and above in India is predicted to reach 19.6% of the total population by 2050. Insomnia impacts the overall health and quality of life of the elderly. Sleep hygiene practices play an important role in promoting healthy sleep patterns and enhancing the quality of sleep.
Objectives: To determine the proportion of insomnia and sleep hygiene practices and associated factors among elderly individuals attending selected urban health centres in Bengaluru City, India
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using consecutive sampling among 125 elderly individuals attending two urban health centres in Bengaluru. A structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic details, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) was administered. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent determinants of insomnia and sleep hygiene.
Results: The mean age (SD) of the participants was 67.54 (6.61) years. Insomnia and unhygienic sleep practices were prevalent in 64.8% and 67.2%, respectively. Insomnia was significantly more common among females (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.34 (95% CI: 1.13, 2.88), those separated/widowed (AOR: 2.49 (95% CI: 1.01, 6.32), those with co-morbidities (AOR: 4.17 (95% CI: 1.05, 16.62) and those with urinary disturbances and paraesthesia of lower limbs (AOR: 3.07 (95% CI: 1.16, 8.12). Common factors contributing to unhygienic sleep practices included engaging in excessive thinking, planning or worrying in bed (59.2%), going to bed while feeling stressed or angry (55.4%) and excessive daytime napping (49.8%). Additionally, unhygienic sleep practice was significantly associated with insomnia (OR: 2.38 (95% CI: 1.09-5.16).
Conclusions & Recommendations: About two-thirds of participants were found to have insomnia and unhygienic sleep practices. These findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep-related problems among the elderly and highlight the need for primary care interventions at primary care that focus on promoting better sleep hygiene practices
