Abstract P109: The Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Association of Dispositional Optimism with Sleep Duration and Quality: Findings form the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Background: Sleep disturbance is associated with multiple adverse cardiovascular-related health outcomes. Little is known about the relationship between psychological well-being, an independent modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and sleep disruptions. This study examines cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of optimism with sleep duration and quality. Methods: Data were collected from 3,549 Black and White adults aged 33-45 years who participated in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study during follow-up years 15 (2000-2001) and 20 (2005-2006). Optimism was assessed in 2000-2001 using the Life-Orientation Test—Revised, with possible scores ranging from 6 (least optimistic) to 30 (most optimistic). Single-item questions on sleep quality and duration in the past month were assessed during 2000-2001 and 2005-2006. Cross-sectional analyses considered optimism and sleep measures at follow-up year 15. Longitudinal analyses considered 5-year incidence of poor sleep quality (fairly/very bad) and duration (short/long sleep) in 2005-2006 by optimism in 2000-2001 (participants with poor sleep quality and duration in 2000-2001 were excluded). Results: Among 3,549 participants (56% female, 46% Black) with complete data on optimism in 2000-2001, 15.9% reported fairly/very bad sleep quality. Sleep duration was distributed as follows: short-sleep (47.9%), sufficient sleep (31.6%), and long-sleep (20.5%). In unadjusted and fully adjusted models, a 1-unit higher optimism score was cross-sectionally associated with 11% lower odds of having fairly/very bad sleep quality and 3-5% lower odds of having short-sleep duration (Table 1). Cross-sectional associations were attenuated after adjustment for depressive symptoms (not shown). Incidence of poor sleep quality in 2005-2006 was 7% lower with each unit higher optimism score, after full adjustment. Conclusion: Optimism is associated with lower incidence of poor self-reported sleep quality over a 5-year period.