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International Journal of Public Health

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01-09-2015 | Original Article

How well does Europe sleep? A cross-national study of sleep problems in European older adults

Authors: Vera van de Straat, Piet Bracke

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Objectives

In this study, we aim to provide insight into the socio-demographic, family-related and socio-economic determinants of sleep problems in European older adults.

Methods

Data from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (2011/2012) were used to perform multilevel logistic regression analyses on whether one has been bothered by sleep problems for at least 6 months. The final sample consisted of 54,722 respondents aged 50 and older from 16 countries.

Results

Prevalence rates varied from 16.6 % in Denmark and Italy to 31.2 % in Poland. The odds ratio of 2.014 confirmed a higher likelihood of sleep problems in women. People aged 60–69 (OR 0.898) reported less sleep problems than people between 50 and 59 years old. Finally, marriage compared to divorce and widowhood and having a higher socio-economic status were associated with less sleep problems.

Conclusions

This study confirms sleep problems to be quite prevalent in the European older population. Increased awareness of the importance of sleep for health is needed, as well as further cross-national comparative research to explain the existing cross-country variation in sleep problems.

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Title: How well does Europe sleep? A cross-national study of sleep problems in European older adults
Authors: Vera van de Straat
Piet Bracke
Publication date: 01-09-2015
Publisher: Springer Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-015-0682-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

How well does Europe sleep? A cross-national study of sleep problems in European older adults

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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