Sleep and Memory in Midlife and Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Lindsay Master, Orfeu Buxton, Alexa Allan, Courtney Fine, Jacqueline Mogle, Alan Zonderman, Michele Evans, Alyssa Gamaldo
Primary Institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Hypothesis
Does actigraphic nighttime sleep affect next-day working memory in midlife and older adults?
Conclusion
Improving nightly sleep timing and duration may enhance next-day reaction time on working memory for adults living below the poverty line.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants who fell asleep earlier and slept longer had faster reaction times the next day.
- Sleep measures were not associated with working memory for individuals above the poverty line.
Takeaway
If you sleep better at night, you might think faster the next day, especially if you don't have a lot of money.
Methodology
The study used wrist-worn accelerometers and mobile cognitive tasks to assess sleep and memory.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to individuals above the poverty line.
Participant Demographics
72% female, 55% Black adults, mean age: 62.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.013, p=.021, p=.0013, p=.018
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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