Self-reported sleep problems and their relationship to life and living of Māori and non-Māori in advanced age.

Objective: Life expectancy is increasing. Sleep problems are more likely with advancing age however, are largely overlooked, and the longitudinal health impact of reported sleep problems is unclear. In this study, relationships were examined between reporting prior or current sleep problems with health outcomes, among Māori and non-Māori of advanced age.

Method: Data were available from 251 Māori and 398 non-Māori adults (79-90 years) from Wave 1 (W1) of Te Puāwaitanga o Ngā Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu. Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in NZ (LiLACS NZ). Four years later (W5), data were available from 85 Māori and 200 non-Māori participants. Relationships between reporting problem sleep at W1 and cohort and health outcomes at W5 were investigated using generalised linear models and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: Over 25% reported sleep problems at both waves. Mortality was associated with problem sleep for Māori but not non-Māori. Within the whole group, W1 problem sleepers were more likely to still have problems at W5, compared with nonproblem sleepers at W1. They also had poorer indicators of physical health and pain at W5. Problem sleepers at W5 had poorer concurrent mental health and increased likelihood of hospital admittance in the last year.

Conclusion: Sleep health is an important characteristic of ageing well, particularly for Māori. Early recognition and management of sleep problems could improve physical and mental health with advancing age.