Family Health Stress and Insomnia Symptoms Among Older Adults: The Role of Relationships with Their Children
2024

Family Health Stress and Insomnia Symptoms in Older Adults

Sample size: 7755 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jang Jeein

Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston

Hypothesis

The study investigates the association between family health stress and insomnia symptoms among older adults, and how relationships with their children may moderate this relationship.

Conclusion

Older adults facing family health stress are more likely to experience severe insomnia symptoms, and positive relationships with children can help mitigate this effect.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults with 'somewhat upsetting' family health stress had 24% higher odds of severe insomnia symptoms.
  • Those with 'very upsetting' family health stress had 50% higher odds of severe insomnia symptoms.
  • Positive and negative relationships with children moderated the effect of 'somewhat upsetting' stress on insomnia symptoms.

Takeaway

When older people worry about their family's health, they often have trouble sleeping, but having a good relationship with their kids can help them sleep better.

Methodology

The study used ordered logistic regressions to analyze data from the Health and Retirement Study, focusing on insomnia severity and family health stress.

Participant Demographics

Adults aged 50 and above.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4188

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