Sleep of Maori and non-Maori of advanced age

Abstract

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.