Predictors of subjective sleep quality in midlife women

Matthews, Laura (2019) Predictors of subjective sleep quality in midlife women. Oxford Brookes University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

An overwhelming number of women report sleep difficulties in midlife. The purpose of the present research was to identify possible factors contributing to this. Menopausal status, vasomotor symptoms, psychological health, health behaviours and demographic characteristics were examined as predictors of sleep quality. A total of 292 women aged 40-60 years (M=51.01) completed an online questionnaire assessing: sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), menopausal status, vasomotor symptoms (Greene Climacteric Scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7), alcohol consumption, smoking status, physical activity level and demographic information. Results revealed that 80.3% of women were poor sleepers. A multiple regression analysis identified that vasomotor symptoms, anxiety and depression were unique predictors of poor sleep quality. Depression was found to make the largest contribution. Overall, findings propose specific factors which may play a significant role in the sleep difficulties reported by midlife women. In consideration of these findings, promising implications for future research and interventions are discussed.