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Are changes in sleep problems associated with changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition?

Author

Listed:
  • Marika Kontturi

    (University of Eastern Finland)

  • Marianna Virtanen

    (University of Eastern Finland
    Karolinska Institutet)

  • Saana Myllyntausta

    (University of Turku)

  • K. C. Prakash

    (Tampere University)

  • Jaana Pentti

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Helsinki
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital)

  • Jussi Vahtera

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital)

  • Sari Stenholm

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital)

Abstract

Retirement reduces sleep problems, but changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition are multifactorial and partly unknown. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine whether changes in sleep problems are associated with changes in total and domain-specific life satisfaction during the retirement transition (on average 0.5 years before and 0.5 years after retirement). The study population consisted of Finnish public sector employees (n = 3518) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) study who responded to annual surveys before and after transition to statutory retirement. Sleep problems were measured with Jenkins Sleep Problem Scale questionnaire and participants were grouped into four sleep problem groups depending on the state of their sleep problems during the retirement transition: ‘Never,’ ‘Decreasing,’ ‘Increasing,’ and ‘Constant’ sleep problems. Life satisfaction was measured with the Life Satisfaction Scale questionnaire including four domains (interestingness, happiness, easiness, togetherness). We found that the improvement in total life satisfaction was greatest for participants in the ‘Decreasing’ (0.17, 95% CI 0.11–0.23, SMD 0.27) and ‘Constant’ (0.12, 95% CI 0.07–0.18, SMD 0.19) sleep problem groups. Of the specific life satisfaction domains, similar findings were observed only for the easiness domain. It seems that decreasing or constant sleep problems are associated with improved life satisfaction during the retirement transition, especially in the feeling of easiness of life. This may be due to the fact that as the demands of working life are removed, sleep problems are alleviated or it becomes easier to live with them, which improves life satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Marika Kontturi & Marianna Virtanen & Saana Myllyntausta & K. C. Prakash & Jaana Pentti & Jussi Vahtera & Sari Stenholm, 2024. "Are changes in sleep problems associated with changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition?," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-14, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:21:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10433-024-00802-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-024-00802-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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