Frequent Sleep Insufficiency among Adults in Georgia: 2008-2010 BRFSS Results

Introduction: Frequent sleep insufficiency (FSI) has previously been associated with demographic and behavioral risk factors, however these associations were demonstrated in national data studies.

Objective: This research investigates risk factors of FSI among adults in Georgia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis utilizing 2008, 2009 and 2010 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. FSI was measured as self-reported, insufficient sleep ≥14 days per month. Bivariate analyses (alpha ≤0.05) were conducted on demographic (gender, age, race/ethnicity, education) and behavioral (smoking, physical activity, frequent mental distress (FMD), Body Mass Index (BMI)) risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression analyses (Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR), 95% Confidence Intervals (CI)) were used to determine predictors of FSI.

Results: Among the combined study sample (n=16,282), 28% of the participants reported FSI. Bivariate analyses showed age, education, physical activity, smoking, FMD and BMI as significant factors for FSI. After adjusting for these variables, obese individuals were 1.3 times more likely to report FSI (AOR: 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.6) than normal BMI individuals. Smokers were 1.5 times more likely (AOR: 1.5, 95%CI 1.3-1.8) to report FSI than non-smokers and those reporting FMD were 4 times more likely (AOR: 3.9, 95%CI 3.3-4.8) than those without FMD to report FSI. Sedentary individuals were 1.4 times more likely to report FSI compared to those that were regularly active.

Conclusions: Nearly 30% of Georgia adults reported FSI during 2008-2010. Obesity, physical activity, smoking status, and frequent mental distress appear to be predictors of FSI.