A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Affecting Sleep Experiences Among Older Adults in a Resource-Challenged Urban Community.

BackgroundSleep problems are common in later life and linked to increased morbidity and mortality. African American and low-income older adults disproportionately experience sleep problems.ObjectiveOur aim was to identify factors perceived to affect sleep and garner feedback on potential components of a behavioral sleep intervention.MethodsWe conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with adults in an underserved urban community aged 50 to 74 (77% African American) reporting persistently poor sleep. We used a rapid qualitative analysis approach to develop themes.ResultsResults revealed multilevel sleep barriers related to both life stage and setting: for example, stress, chronic pain, vigilance due to security concerns and caregiving, and noise. All participants wanted to improve sleep without medications. Intervention components of most interest were contact with a community health worker, a watch to track sleep, and educational resources. The barriers identified here should be addressed in interventions to improve sleep in this population.