Sleep in Older Adults and Its Possible Relations With COVID-19

Pires, Gabriel Natan; Ishikura, Isabela A.; Xavier, Sandra; Petrella, Caetano; Piovezan, Ronaldo D.; Xerfan, Ellen M S; Andersen, Mônica Levy; Tufik, Sérgio

doi:10.3389/fnagi.2021.647875

Cited by 28 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 150 publications

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“…On the other hand, sleep problems (i.e., insufficient sleep duration) may contribute to the manifestation of mood changes through both hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis misregulation, and excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system [19]. In this direction, poor sleep is a common manifestation of both depression and anxiety [20], as they may influence circadian disruption [21]. Not surprisingly, sleep problems are considered symptoms of anxiety and depression [22].…”

Section: Of 17mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A recent review has focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by considering sleep disturbances in the older population [21]. The authors found that sleep deprivation and fragmentation, and obstructive sleep apnea may cause a decline of immune responses, leading older individuals to be more likely to contract an infection and, furthermore, a worse prognosis.…”

Section: Of 17mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Are Sleep Problems Related to Psychological Distress in Healthy Aging during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Review

Cipriani

Bartoli

Amanzio

2021

IJERPH

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The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, characterized by home confinement and other restrictive measures to reduce the spread of the infection, led to significant changes in people's habits and lifestyle. One of the most common problems is the worsening of sleep quality or quantity, which could have negative effects on psychological wellbeing, particularly in older adults. The purposes of the present literature review considering healthy aging subjects are (a) to examine the existing research on sleep alterations during the current pandemic and (b) to highlight possible relationships between sleep problems and psychological distress. A systematic search strategy was implemented according to PRISMA guidelines in the international literature online databases, up to 1 July 2021. After identification and screening phases, 11 articles were included in this review. The studies found possible associations between sleep problems and mood changes—particularly in terms of depression and anxiety. In addition, altered sleep patterns seemed to be related to changes in individual aspects, lifestyle, and attitudes adopted by older adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. Thus, the pandemic could affect the sleep and psychological wellbeing of the older population, even in healthy aging.

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Section: Of 17mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Of 17mentioning

confidence: 99%

Are Sleep Problems Related to Psychological Distress in Healthy Aging during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Review

Cipriani

Bartoli

Amanzio

2021

IJERPH

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“…The pandemic-related factors, including home confinement, social isolation, and the fear of contracting the virus, could directly impact the sleep of older adults [11]. However, the relationship between sleep and COVID-19 outbreak in the elderly is still unclear.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Differential Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Sleep Quality, Insomnia, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety among Late Adolescents and Elderly in Italy

et al. 2021

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The restraining measures due to the COVID-19 outbreak deeply affected the general population’s sleep health and psychological status. The current literature proposes young and older people as two particularly at-risk groups. However, the differential impact of the lockdown period in these specific age categories needs to be disentangled. Through a web-based survey adopting validated questionnaires, we evaluated and compared sleep quality/habits, insomnia, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms of Italian late adolescents (n = 670; mean age ± SD, 19.38 ± 0.74, 18–20 years) and elderly (n = 253; 68.18 ± 2.79, 65–75 years). Young respondents reported more severe insomnia symptoms, worse subjective sleep quality, longer sleep latency, higher daytime dysfunction, and a more prevalent disruption of sleep habits (bedtime, get-up time, nap) than the elderly. On the other hand, older participants showed shorter sleep duration, lower habitual sleep efficiency, and greater use of sleep medications. Finally, the younger population displayed higher levels of depression and perceived stress. Our findings indicate that the lockdown period had more pervasive repercussions on sleep and the mental health of late adolescents. The implementation of supportive strategies is encouraged for this vulnerable population group.

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“…Apart from some physical health issues such as weight loss [24,25], the literature has recorded a wide range of psychological feelings, challenges, and concerns reported by people during the pandemic. These psychological feelings and challenges include untold fear and suffering [3], sadness [26], loneliness [6,26], stress [27,28], irritability [29] (Patel, 2021), emotional exhaustion [30], depression [26], sleeping disorders [31], overeating [32], and excessive screen use [33]. Research has also concentrated on various concerns and challenges affecting the whole community in general and older adults, including imposed restrictions [6,26], not being able to go out in public [34], disturbance of social life [27], less physical activities [18], less access to regular medical visits [35], less get-togethers with younger children [34], and loneliness [6,26].…”

Section: Literature Reviewsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experiencing the Unprecedented COVID-19 Lockdown: Abu Dhabi Older Adults’ Challenges and Concerns

Badri

Alkhaili²,

Aldhaheri³

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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This study focused on older adults (60+ years old) of both genders in Abu Dhabi during the COVID-19 pandemic before vaccines were made available (age ranged from 60 years to 75 years). They faced more strict rules of movement restriction and isolation that might have resulted in certain psychological feelings and social reactions. The main objective was to understand Abu Dhabi older adults’ psychological feelings during the pandemic and to identify their main concerns and challenges considering the various COVID-19-related policies and restrictions. The psychological feelings focused on fear, loneliness, sadness, irritability, emotional exhaustion, depressive symptoms, sleeping disorders, overeating, and excessive screen use. The objectives also included the changes in the psychological feelings concerning time. Other objectives covered better understanding the differences in (some activities) compared to the other age categories. Data were gathered through an online survey of community members from February to July 2020 as part of government initiatives (Department of Community Development). Responses were collected from 574 older adults in Abu Dhabi (60.1% male and 39.9% female). The analysis mainly used descriptive analysis, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and simple trend analysis. For all tests, a p-value less than 0.05 was used for significance. The results pointed to the significant rise in feelings related to excessive screen use, fear, loneliness, and stress. The most significant concerns were related to more restrictions being imposed and not being able to see the grandchildren.The impact of new technologies on their quality of life was significantly reflected by respondents. The influence of the pandemic on older adults’ health and weight was also investigated. Analysis of variance, t-tests, and regression analysis with relevant tests were employed. The relevant results showed that some negative psychological feelings were common among older adults during the pandemic. However, the psychological feelings did not portray significant changes with time, except for sleeping disorders and overeating. Overall, older adults scored significantly different from other age groups on many challenges, concerns, and views regarding new technologies during the pandemic. No significant differences were observed regarding gender and marital status for the challenges and concerns. The research summarizes some policy guidance while noting some limitations of this study and future research directions.

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Sleep in Older Adults and Its Possible Relations With COVID-19

Cited by 28 publications

References 150 publications

Are Sleep Problems Related to Psychological Distress in Healthy Aging during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Review

Are Sleep Problems Related to Psychological Distress in Healthy Aging during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Review

The Differential Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Sleep Quality, Insomnia, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety among Late Adolescents and Elderly in Italy

Experiencing the Unprecedented COVID-19 Lockdown: Abu Dhabi Older Adults’ Challenges and Concerns

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