An Important Analysis of the Factors
Other studies have previously attempted to analyze the impact these factors have on disability development. However, this is among the first to examine the effect of both interrupted sleep and medication use over a period of several years. This enables the researchers to gain a greater perspective of the effect sleeping patterns have on functional decline and aging. The researchers used a scale to measure the symptoms of insomnia. These symptoms included waking too early, issues falling asleep, and trouble staying asleep. For each additional symptom added, the researchers noted a 20% increase in disability risk. The pattern was similar when looking at the use of sleep medications. This remained true even if lifestyle factors and health conditions were under control.