Living Arrangements and Sleep-Related Outcomes Among Older Adults in China

Abstract

It has been discussed previously that older adults’ living arrangements are associated with mortality. This study investigated the relationships between older adults’ living arrangements and sleep-related outcomes in China. The nationally representative sample included 4,731 participants who participated on two different occasions, with a total of 9,462 observations (2012 and 2014 waves). Panel logistic regression and panel ordinary least squares regression models were estimated with outcomes of sleep quality and average hours of sleep daily, respectively. Approximately 62% of individuals reported good quality of sleep. We observed that older adults who lived with family members had 17% greater odds of reporting good quality of sleep (adjusted odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [1.03, 1.34], p < .05) and reported longer sleep duration daily (β = .334, standard error = .069, p < .01), compared with those who lived alone. Social support is needed to strengthen the residential relationship, especially with family members.

Parent–Child Relationships and Aging Parents’ Sleep Quality: A Comparison of One-Child and Multiple-Children Families in China

“…A study of middle-aged and older adults in Beijing and Shanghai, however, reported that only 19% of Beijing and 13% of Shanghai respondents experienced poor sleep quality (Haseli-Mashhadi et al, 2009). Estimates of sleep quality using nationally representative data showed that 62%-65% of Chinese older adults reported good quality of sleep (Gu et al, 2010;Lee et al, 2020). The discrepancies may be due to the fact that these studies focused on different regions of China, used different age criteria for defining old age, and utilized different measures of sleep quality (e.g., a single-item scale or the Pittsburgh sleep quality index scale).…”

“…As such, relationships with adult children are crucial for older Chinese adults' well-being (Chen & Jordan, 2018a;Guo et al, 2018;Silverstein et al, 2006). Some studies examined living arrangements as a type of family support, and the results showed that Chinese older adults living with family members had better sleep quality compared to those who lived alone (Gu et al, 2010;Lee et al, 2020). However, a comprehensive examination of the association between parent-child relations and sleep among Chinese older adults is warranted.…”

Transition of Living Arrangement and Cognitive Impairment Status among Chinese Older Adults: Are They Associated?

“…Therefore, we should be careful about drawing conclusions regarding the discrepancies among the three types of living arrangements. However, according to a study by Lee and colleagues examining the association between living arrangement and sleep among Chinese older adults [ 27 ], nearly 81% of the older adults lived with their household members. This could be the result of the traditional belief of filial piety in the Chinese culture that children have the responsibility to take care of their parents/grandparents.…”

“…In addition, older adults living with family had a lower mortality rate than those living alone because the former received physical and psychological support in their daily care [ 26 ]. Older adults who lived with family also had higher odds of reporting better sleep quality than those who lived alone [ 27 ]. The literature gaps regarding living arrangements among older adults demonstrate the need for further research.…”

The Relationship between Living Arrangements and Sleep Quality in Older Adults: Gender Differences

“…Family environment is another factor associated with sleeping-related issues. Many studies have reported that people living alone have a poorer quality of sleep and shorter sleep duration daily compared with those who live with household members [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. However, it is not clear whether the phenomenon of living alone is an influencing factor that worsens the quality of sleep, especially in older adults.…”