Sleep Duration and Cognition in Older Adults: A Moderated Mediation Model

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association between sleep duration and cognition in older adults, explore the mediating role of depression and the moderating effects of self-perceived help and self-rated health on the relationship. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Using a nationally representative data set, China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 6832 adults aged 60 and older were selected from it. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and SPSS PROCESS Macro (Model 4, Model 59, and Model 76). RESULTS: Results showed that depression mediates the relationship between sleep duration and cognition. The indirect effect of the mediation model were moderated by self-perceived help and self-rated health, and just significantly moderated the first half of the model. The simultaneous moderation of self-perceived help and self-rated health were more significant effect of sleep duration on depression. CONCLUSIONS: Depression, self-perceived help and self-rated health may play a role in sleep and cognition. Policy interventions such as getting more help should be effective to reduce depression and improve cognition.