Association Between Digital Isolation and Sleep Disorders in Older Adults: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study Using National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) Data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, digital isolation among older adults has become more pronounced. This isolation may restrict access to health information and social support, potentially leading to poorer sleep quality. However, most existing studies on digital isolation and sleep disorders were cross-sectional, lacking longitudinal evidence to establish causality.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the association between digital isolation and sleep disorders in older adults using both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs and to assess the impact of specific components of digital isolation on the risk of sleep disorders.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) collected fr

SUBMITTER: Yang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12327964 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature