Relationship Between Sleep Problems and Depression of Older Persons in Bangladesh

As age increases older persons may develop sleep problems. These may cause depression, a condition which negatively affects many aspects of older persons’ life. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between older persons’ sleep problems and depression in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 280 older persons using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS-5), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-10). Descriptive and correlational statistics were used to analyze sleep problems and depression data. Results show that sleep problems are significantly and positively related to depression. The identification of intervention programs for the screening of both sleep problems and depression, with a view to reducing the consequences of depression, is recommended.