Contributed by Nicole Weaver| 04 November, 2005 01:41 GMT
Many sleepless adults are caregivers who stay awake with worry but shy away from prescription sleep medications.
Almost half -- 46 percent -- of adults over 50 receive fewer than seven hours of sleep each night, and a quarter believe they have a "sleep problem," suggests a new Gallup survey released by the
International Longevity Center-USA (ILC).
Findings of the survey were presented at the ILC’s Sleep and Healthy Aging Scientific Consensus Conference held this week in New York City.
Although 80% of the adults surveyed said they recognize the importance of sleep to their health, many who experience trouble sleeping remain untreated. Survey participants reported concerns about taking prescription sleep medications, including addiction, next-day grogginess and long-term side effects.
Fifty-three percent of adults who said they have spoken with their healthcare providers about a sleep problem are not receiving treatment.
"The importance of sleep to healthy aging is often overlooked in the medical community, but it's becoming increasingly apparent that good sleep could be a new vital sign," says Robert N. Butler, MD, president and chief executive officer of the ILC.
"Poor sleep is a condition that needs to be addressed, diagnosed and treated," Dr. Butler emphasizes. "it could be as important as nutrition, exercise and social engagement to the health of older adults."
Caregiver Anxiety
Seventy-seven percent of the participants in the Gallup survey expressed concerns about the long-term effects of prescription sleep aids. Nearly seven in ten said they were concerned about becoming addicted to them. Fewer than one in ten respondents deemed prescription sleep aids as "very safe."
Worry is a common factor that interferes with sleep -- a trend that is especially common among primary caregivers, half of whom reported that worrying has interfered with their ability to fall asleep.
"As the population continues to age, many older Americans are assuming the role of primary caregiver for a parent or relative -- a position often accompanied by high levels of anxiety," notes Dr. Butler.
"It is no surprise that this stress and the need for round-the-clock care often interfere with getting a good night’s sleep," he adds.
Fourth Health Factor
The random telephone survey of 1,003 adults 50 years of age or older was conducted by the Gallup Organization for ILC to examine knowledge of the importance of sleep, sleep behaviors and attitudes toward sleep and aging. The results have been statistically adjusted to be nationally representative of all adults age 50 and older.
Additional survey results include the following:
Respondents ranked good sleep quality as the fourth most important factor to a healthy lifestyle, following good nutrition, mental sharpness and regular exercise.
Men are more likely than women (38 percent vs. 27 percent) to say they get a good night's sleep seven days a week.
The 46 percent of adults who describe their health as excellent are the most likely group to say they get a good night's sleep every night of the week.
Forty-five percent of the survey participants indicated they need more sleep today than when they were younger.
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