Links between Savoring, Rumination, and Sleep-Related Experiences across Adulthood: Implications for Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES

Sleep problems are pervasive, particularly in older adults. Much work examines psychological factors that adversely affect sleep; fewer studies examine those with a positive effect. Savoring is a form of positive repetitive thought that is linked to several aspects of health but has been understudied in relation to sleep. We examined cross-sectional associations of both savoring and rumination with subjective sleep experiences, and assessed if these associations vary by age.

METHODS

Adults and older adults (N = 216) ranging from 20-80 years in age (M = 44.9 ± 15.6 years) completed an online survey of validated measures of savoring, rumination, sleep disturbance, and sleep-related impairment.

RESULTS

Higher levels of savoring were significantly associated with lower levels of sleep-related impairment but not sleep disturbance in regression analyses. Higher levels of rumination were significantly associated with higher levels of sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment. Associations of savoring and rumination with sleep-related experiences did not vary by age.

CONCLUSIONS

Savoring and rumination are relevant to sleep-related experiences in adults ranging from younger to older. Further investigation of the potential positive impact of savoring on sleep-related experiences is needed.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Engagement in savoring and rumination should be considered when assessing sleep and sleep-related impairment in adults.