Association between insomnia symptoms, daytime napping, and falls in community-dwelling elderly

This study focused on associations between insomnia symptoms, daytime napping, and falls in community-dwelling elderly, using a population-based cross-sectional design and probability sample with 689 community-dwelling elders. The protocol consisted of self-reported and physical performance variables. The study used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Prevalence rates for insomnia symptoms and daytime napping were 49.9% (n = 339) and 62.8% (n = 432), respectively. 14.4% reported a single fall and 11.9% reported multiple falls. Falls were associated with female gender (OR = 7.73; 95% CI: 3.03-19.72), age >= 80 (OR = 3.48; 95% CI: 1.54-7.85), napping (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.24-4.05), and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.11-3.53). The association between daytime napping and falls corroborates data from international research. Identifying modifiable risk factors may help programs to prevent falls in the elderly.