Rethinking older adults' sleep in China from a social behavioral perspective
by Yen-Han Lee
China is currently experiencing rapid growth in its older adult population, a demographic shift that has the potential to negatively impact its economy and market. This includes issues such as labor shortages and decreased productivity. To address this, China abolished the "one-child policy" in 2016, which had been implemented in the late 1970s to control population growth. This shift in demography over the past few decades has been dramatic.
With the surge in the older adult population, various public health challenges have emerged. One significant issue relates to the sleep patterns of older adults. Circadian rhythms can change with age, potentially leading to shorter sleep duration and early awakenings among older individuals. It's important to note that both shorter and longer sleep durations and interrupted sleep have been linked to higher mortality risks. Therefore, it is essential to study potential disparities in older adults' sleep quality and sleep duration.
Our comprehensive research, conducted by a team of public health researchers and clinicians, examined sleep patterns among Chinese older adults, with a particular focus on trends, urban-rural differences (community), and geographical disparities. This study utilized a large secondary dataset, encompassing a substantial cohort of older adults aged 65 and above. Data was collected from four distinct waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) spanning from 2008 to 2018.
Our research findings revealed that Chinese older adults living in the Central-South and West regions were less likely to report good sleep quality, while those in the Northeastern region reported better sleep quality compared to their counterparts in the North. Additionally, according to recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), older adults above 65 years of age should aim for an ideal sleep duration between 7 and 8 hours. However, participants from the Central-South and West regions were more likely to report shorter amount of sleep duration (less than 7 hours per day) compared to those from the North.
Regarding community disparities, empirical evidence indicated that older adults residing in urban areas were less likely to report good sleep quality compared to their rural counterparts. Similarly, urban older adults also had a higher likelihood of reporting sleep durations of less than 7 hours per day compared to rural older adults.
These findings emphasize the importance of public health interventions aimed at improving the sleep patterns and overall well-being of Chinese older adults. Special attention should be given to addressing geographical and community disparities. The disparities highlighted in this study demonstrate the need for targeted interventions that consider regional variations in sleep quality and duration. For example, public health practitioners should implement effective strategies to improve sleep quality and duration among older adults in urban areas, where factors such as a fast-paced lifestyle and rapid urbanization may contribute to long-term sleep disturbances.
Additional interventions may include a range of strategies, such as guidance of ideal and healthy dietary behaviors, improved access to healthcare resources, and lifestyle modifications tailored to the specific needs of older adults in different regional areas and communities. In conclusion, this exploration of sleep patterns among Chinese older adults sheds light on the relationship between geography and sleep quality. By addressing these disparities, this study not only advances our understanding of the social factors associated with sleep in the older adult population but also emphasizes the urgency of public health initiatives aimed at promoting better sleep quality and duration among older adults across diverse regions of China.
Article Details
A 10-year Trend of Sleeping Patterns, Geographical, and Community Disparities Among Chinese Older Adults
Yi-Ting Hana Lee, Yen-Han Lee, Yu-Hsuan Wu, Ching-Ti Liu, Yen-Chang Chang
First Published February 8, 2022 Research Article
DOI: 10.1177/07334648211072549
Journal of Applied Gerontology
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