Citation

Simpson C, Allegra JC, Ezeamama AE, Elkins J, Miles T. Fam. Community Health 2014; 37(4): 317-326.

Affiliation

School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin (Dr Simpson); and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Mr Allegra and Drs Ezeamama and Miles) and School of Social Work (Dr Elkins), University of Georgia, Athens.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/FCH.0000000000000039

PMID

25167072

Abstract

Bereavement and insomnia are both well-documented risk factors for illness. We use cohort data to estimate risk of insomnia after death of a family member among adults aged 50 to 70 years. Each day, 6700 persons die in the United States. During the next 20 years, this number will increase. In this cohort, any loss increases the likelihood of insomnia. The highest rates of insomnia occur among women aged 50 to 59 years; men aged 65 to 70 years, and persons reporting death of a spouse/partner or child. Physical activity reduces this risk by one-third. Bereavement is a public health issue requiring a targeted response.

Language: en