Sleep Status among Older Adults in Korea according to Urban or Rural Area Residence

ABSTRACT

Objectives@#Older adults have more sleep disorders than younger individuals and are more vulnerable to environmental factors affecting sleep. We sought to study sleep status among older adults in Korea according to the residential area. @*Methods@#The present study used data from a nationwide, cross-sectional study on sleep status among older Koreans aged 65 to 86 years. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) values were used to classify sleepiness. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was applied to evaluate insomnia symptoms, and the Berlin Questionnaire was utilized to identify those at high risk of sleep apnea. The Cambridge-Hopkins diagnostic questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of restless legs syndrome. @*Results@#Study participants were divided according to the residential area metropolitan city, city, or rural area. Total sleep time on weekdays and weekend days showed no difference. ESS and PSQI scores did not differ among residential area groups. Meanwhile, the average ISI score was higher among residents in rural areas. The risk of obstructive sleep apnea and the prevalence of restless legs syndrome were similar in all groups. @*Conclusions@#Our results indicate that poor sleepers and high ISI are more common in rural areas of Korea. Future studies of the causes and proper treatments thereof are warranted.