Trajectories of Insomnia Symptoms Among Aging Employees and Their Associations With Memory, Learning Ability, and Concentration After Retirement - A Prospective Cohort Study (2000–2017)

Abstract

Objectives We applied a person-oriented approach and used latent class linear mixed models to identify sleep trajectories that explain memory, concentration, and learning ability problems after retirement. Methods Data consist of prospective surveys from four phases of the Helsinki Health Study between 2000–2017 (n = 3748, aged 55–77 years, 80% women). Multinomial regression was used to examine the associations between sleep trajectories and cognitive function, adjusting for sociodemographic, health-related behavior, and health factor covariates. Results Among statutory retirees, three latent group trajectories of insomnia-related symptoms were identified: stable low, decreasing, and increasing. Among those who had retired for disability reasons, we identified one additional latent group trajectory: stable high. Insomnia symptoms were associated with worse cognitive function. Discussion Early detection of insomnia symptoms would be a potential intervention point to improve both sleep quality and prevent cognitive decline in later life. However, intervention studies are needed.