Sleeping Pattern and Its Associations with Health Conditions among the Chinese Elderly

Danan Gu, Duke University

Up to 50% of the elders worldwide suffer from sleeping problems with different degrees. Significant associations between sleeping quality and health outcomes among the elders are well-documented in West. However, little research on this topic is from developing countries. Using a nationwide survey in China in 2005 with 15,638 elderly interviewees aged 65 and over, we assess patterns of sleeping quality and quantity and their associations with various health conditions. The results show that average hours of sleeping is 7.5; 55% of subjects have the normal hours of sleep (7-9 hours daily), while 65% have good quality of sleep; men, urban elders, higher SES, and healthy practice are positively associated with better sleeping or normal sleeping hours; regional difference is noticeable. Our analyses further show that poor quality of sleeping and less- or excessive-hour sleeping are linked with poor ADL functioning, impaired cognition, and poor overall health condition.