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Most sleep habits are not related to mental illness in the elderly

Sleep behaviors like taking naps, consuming caffeinated beverages, watching television or reading or physical exercise before bedtime were not associated with mental illness among the elderly, according to data.

“Compared with asymptomatic individuals, television watching, reading, and physical exercise before bedtime are activities that are not associated with the probability of suffering from a mental disorder,” the researchers wrote.

Data were collected from the longitudinal Quebec Survey on Seniors’ Health, including 2,759 patients aged 65 years and older (mean age, 73.8 years). The patients were categorized into three groups: anxious (n = 103), depression or depressive mania (n = 161), and asymptomatic (n = 2,495), according to data.

They found greater levels of practicing relaxation techniques before bedtime among patients who were identified as having depression or anxiety, compared with those who were asymptomatic.

“It is interesting to note that naps have not been related to mood disorders,” they wrote.

Results from the study indicate that naps are not a manifestation of hypersomnia in the group with mood disorders, according to researchers. Moreover, the researchers found no relationship between activities such as reading or watching television and anxiety disorders.

“This piece of data does not support the positive action generally associated with cognitive-behavioral therapy targeted to sleep habits for chronic insomnia,” the researchers added.

Further studies examining the behavioral differences between depressive and anxious seniors may help explain the onset of mental illness, they wrote. – by Samantha Costa

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.