Sleep Quality Daytime Nap and Dreaming in Later Life Associations with Biopsychosocial Characteristics
A. Nakou, C. Tsironis, E. Dragioti, E. Bartzou, N. Zagorianakou, S. Mantzoukas, M. GouvaIntroduction
Sleep quality in older adults is a critical indicator of well-being and is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Daytime napping and dreaming represent additional dimensions of sleep that may reflect physical health, psychological functioning, and social relationships.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between biopsychosocial characteristics of older adults and sleep quality, daytime napping, and dreaming.
Methods
A total of 608 older adults (aged 65-99 years) participated in the study. Participants completed a questionnaire including demographic and social characteristics (sex, marital status, educational level, number of children), measures of physical and mental health (SF-36 subscales: MH, SF, GH, MENTAL HEALTH), and sleep-related variables (“Good Sleep,” “Daytime Nap,” “Dreams”). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations, and group mean comparisons were conducted.
Results
Sleep quality was positively correlated with indicators of mental health: MH (r=0.30), SF (r=0.29), MENTAL HEALTH (r=0.25), and GH (r=0.24, p<0.001). Daytime napping differed by sex (r=-0.30) and by marital status (means 2.8–3.7). Having children was associated with better sleep quality (M=5.0 vs. 3.6) and more intense dream experiences (M=3.1 vs. 1.0). The number of children was related to longer daytime napping (M=4.3 vs. 3.1) and higher sleep quality (M=4.7 vs. 3.8).
Conclusions
The findings demonstrate that sleep quality in older adults is shaped by both psychological factors (mental well-being) and social parameters (family structure, children). Daytime napping and dreaming reflect the interaction between biological and social characteristics, underscoring the importance of a biopsychosocial approach in understanding and improving sleep in late life.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared