Sleep Problems in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Frequency and Age Effects

Rehabil Psychol., 2009 · DOI: 10.1037/a0016345 · Published: August 1, 2009

Simple Explanation

This study investigates sleep problems in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It compares the severity of these problems with those in the general population. The research also looks at how aging, including chronological age, duration of SCI, and age at the time of injury, relates to sleep difficulties in this group. The goal is to understand if and how these aging factors contribute to sleep issues experienced by individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

620 individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey

Key Findings

1
Individuals with SCI report more sleep problems than normative samples.
2
Younger participants with SCI reported more sleep problems than older participants.
3
Duration of SCI and age at SCI onset were not significantly associated with sleep difficulties.

Research Summary

The study aimed to replicate previous findings of more severe sleep difficulties in individuals with SCI compared to normative samples. It also examined the associations between aging variables and the severity of sleep difficulties in this population. The study concluded that sleep problems are more common in individuals with SCI, and younger participants reported more sleep problems than older ones; duration of SCI and age at onset were not significantly associated with sleep difficulties.

Practical Implications

Assess Sleep Problems

The findings support the need to assess the presence of sleep problems in individuals with SCI.

Provide Effective Treatments

Effective treatments should be provided when indicated, such as CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive-behavioral therapy for other sleep issues.

Future Research

Future research is needed to examine the effects and health correlates of sleep problems in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The correlational nature of the data limits causal conclusions.
2
Complex interactions between age-related variables require more systematic analyses.
3
The sample is predominantly White and relatively well educated, limiting the generalizability of the findings.

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