Sleep of Māori and non-Māori of Advanced Age.

AIM

To estimate prevalence and identify predictors and outcomes of reporting sleep problems in Māori and non-Māori of advanced age.

METHOD

Participants were 251 Māori, and 398 non-Māori adults (79-90 years) from Te Puāwaitanga o Ngā Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu. Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand. Multiple logistic regression identified predictors of reporting a current sleep problem and investigated relationships between current sleep problems and physical and mental health.

RESULTS

26.3% of Māori and 31.7% of non-Māori reported a current sleep problem. Reporting a current sleep problem was associated with ethnicity (non-Māori, adjusted OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.30-0.90), and reporting a past sleep problem (adjusted OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.25-5.72). Sleep problems were related to poorer physical and mental health, and falling.

CONCLUSION

Sleep problems are commonly reported and associated with poorer health. Early recognition and management of sleep problems could improve physical and mental health.