Burden and Correlates of Sleep Disorders Among Older Adults in India: A Secondary Analysis of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of sleep disorders among older adults in India and examine the influence of depression, functional status (ADL and IADL) and physical activity on sleep health. Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2017-2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) was conducted among adults aged ≥60 years with complete sleep-related data. Sleep disorder was defined as self-reported frequent sleep disturbances. Weighted prevalence estimates and multivariable logistic regression accounting for complex survey design were used to identify sociodemographic, behavioural and health-related determinants. Results are presented as Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Results: The prevalence of frequent sleep disorder among older adults was 0.95% as per the symptom-based definition. However, a substantially larger proportion reported occasional sleep disturbances, indicating a broader burden of sleep-related complaints. In adjusted analysis, depression emerged as a strong independent predictor of sleep disorder. Older adults with depressive symptoms had higher odds of reporting a sleep disorder compared to those without depression. Multimorbidity (2 or more chronic conditions) was also truly associated with increased odds of sleep disorder. Physical inactivity was identified as an additional modifiable risk factor. Sociodemographic factors such as age, sex and marital status were not associated with sleep disorders after adjusting for health-related variables. Conclusion: Despite low prevalence under the LASI definition, sleep disorders remain important among older Indians. Mental health, chronic diseases and lifestyle factors outweigh demographics, highlighting the need for integrated sleep, mental health and geriatric care.