RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the associations between physical disorders and prevalent/incident insomnia in a community dwelling older population. METHODS: 1,204 people aged 65 or over evaluated at baseline. Insomnia was defined as difficulty in initiation or maintenance of sleep on at least three nights per week over the last month. Reported physical disorders covering 11 common and generally chronic health problems were ascertained. Covariates included were age, gender, education, housing, past occupation, current employment, and depression. Of 879 without insomnia at baseline, 651 (74%) were followed 2 years later, and incident insomnia was evaluated. RESULTS: Prevalent insomnia was significantly associated with 10 of 11 physical disorders. Incident insomnia was associated with 2 physical disorders: eyesight problems and hearing difficulty. Both prevalent and incident insomnia were significantly associated with increased number of physical disorders. CONCLUSION: Certain physical disorders were comorbid and precipitating factors of insomnia in elders.