The association between loneliness, social isolation, and sleep disturbances in older adults: A follow-up study from the Swedish good aging in Skåne project

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this follow-up study was to investigate whether loneliness and social isolation in a sample of older adults, mean age of 67.4 years at baseline examination, were associated with sleep disturbances at re-examination at a mean age of 76.4 years. Methods: The study sample consisted of 2897 participants. Data on loneliness, social isolation, and sleep disturbances were collected through questionnaires and medical examinations. Logistic regression models were constructed to identify associations between levels of loneliness and social isolation at baseline and sleep disturbances at follow-up. Sociodemographic and health-related confounding factors were controlled for in the models. Results: Sleep disturbances were reported by 25.6% (95% CI: 24.0%–27.2%) at baseline and 23.7% (95% CI: 22.1%–25.3%) at re-examination. Odds ratios for sleep disturbances at re-examination in relation to not being lonely or socially isolated were as follows: single occasions of loneliness (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.05–1.78), recurring periods/constant loneliness (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.01–1.99), less severe social isolation (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.78–1.79), and severe social isolation (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.01–3.49). Discussion: Sleep disturbances are common among older adults and are associated with loneliness and social isolation. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential effects of loneliness and social isolation when investigating sleep disturbances in older adults.