The Effect of Sleep Quality on Happiness in Elderly Individuals

Objective: Sleep problems are commonly seen in elderly people. This study was planned to determine the effect of sleep quality on happiness in elderly people. Method: The study was conducted with 306 elderly people. Data were collected with Personal information form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form. Results: The mean sleep quality score of the elderly people was 7.91±3.65. The mean happiness score of the elderly people was 24.00±4.88. There was a relationship between sleep quality scores and happiness scores of elderly people (r=-0.44; p< .001). Sleep quality was a predictor of approximately 20% of the happiness level of elderly people (β=-.442; p< .001). Conclusion: This study reveals that sleep quality is poor in elderly people and it is one of the predictor of happiness. Nurses caring for elderly people should implement initiatives to ensure the sleep hygiene of elderly people.