Volume 29, Issue 5, 2020
DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2020.1195
Sleep Disorder and its Psychological Impact on Retired Elders: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Background: The retired population is projected to grow dramatically in the next decade. In Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, the average number of “retirees†per 100 workers is estimated to increase from 42 in 2018 to over 58 in 2050. Previous studies indicate that retirement tends to lead to an increase in decline in mental health and sleep quality. This systematic review aims to examine the prevalence of sleep disturbance and its psychological outcomes among retired elders and to investigate the related variables.
Method: This study followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A comprehensive systematic review was employed using six databases (PubMed, Scopus, PscyNet Cochrane, CINAHL and Web of Science) to identify manuscripts published before August 2019. Two independent reviewers employed the Joanna Briggs Institute model to determine the quality of studies.
Result: Twelve articles (n=6567) were included in the review. The prevalence of sleep disturbance in retired elders ranged from 27% to 82%. The average scores of the psychological outcomes were as follows: 5.72 for anxiety, which was categorized as moderate, 3.94 to 4.21 for depression, and 6.23 for loneliness, which was classified as high. The variables associated with the psychological outcomes and sleep disturbance were gender, health problems, problem with partner in marriage and lack of activity.
Conclusion: The impact of retirement on the elderly may lead to sleep disturbance and negative psychological outcomes. Social activities after retirement such as household chores with partners or reliable friends can help maintain a good relationship with one’s partner; subsequently, sleep disturbance and psychological problems can be avoided.
Keywords
Psychological Outcome, Retired Elders, Sleep Disturbance, Systematic Review