THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN SLEEP HEALTH FOLLOWING SPOUSAL LOSS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
2024

The Role of Social Support in Sleep Health Following Spousal Loss

Sample size: 2462 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Calfee Kristin, Lee Soomi

Primary Institution: The Pennsylvania State University

Hypothesis

The impact of spousal loss on sleep health may be mitigated by robust social support networks.

Conclusion

Spousal loss may not necessarily degrade sleep health when social support is stronger.

Supporting Evidence

  • Spousal bereavement and divorce are linked to poorer physical and mental health.
  • The study analyzed longitudinal data from the Midlife in the United States study.
  • Affectual Solidarity was used to measure social support.

Takeaway

Losing a spouse can be really hard, but having good friends and family around can help you sleep better.

Methodology

The study used a multidimensional measure of sleep health and general linear regression to analyze data from adults who experienced spousal loss.

Participant Demographics

Adults aged 66 years on average, with 277 experiencing spousal loss.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.03

Statistical Significance

p=0.03

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3529

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