Impact of childhood parental abuse and neglect on sleep problems in old age

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined whether subjective sleep complaints in late adulthood were associated with childhood parental abuse and neglect and whether the association was mediated by current relationship strain and emotional distress. Methods. Multiple regression analyses were performed on data from 877 older adults aged 60 years and above from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. Adverse childhood experiences were retrospectively recalled at Time 1 (1995-1996). Sleep complaints, relationship strain, and emotional distress were assessed at Time 2 (2004-2006). Results. Early parental emotional abuse was significantly associated with more sleep complaints in old age. Unsupportive interactions with family, friends, significant others, and emotional distress partially explained the association. Discussion. Parental emotional abuse in childhood hindered the development of supportive social relationships later in life, which was associated with more emotional distress, and exerted a negative influence on subjective sleep quality among older adults. Future research should examine other underlying mechanisms that explain the contribution of human attachment to sleep across the lifespan. © The Author 2011.