EPV1294 - Sleep Quality Daytime Nap and Dreaming in Later Life Associations with Biopsychosocial Characteristics

EPV1294

Sleep Quality Daytime Nap and Dreaming in Later Life Associations with Biopsychosocial Characteristics

A. Nakou 1,*, C. Tsironis 1, E. Dragioti 1, E. Bartzou 1, N. Zagorianakou 1, S. Mantzoukas 1, M. Gouva 1

1University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece

 

Introduction: 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