Multilevel analysis of sleep arrangements and psychological well-being among older couples in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the simultaneous associations between sleep arrangements (e.g., separate rooms for sleep) and psychological well-being (PWB) among older Taiwanese couples when considering individual and couple characteristics. METHODS: The study sample comprised 860 heterosexual married older couples (1,720 individuals) residing in Northern Taiwan. PWB was operationalized as a latent variable by three indicators: happiness, life satisfaction, and fulfillment. Sleep measures were assessed at individual and couple levels; a multi-level structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed, with couples at the level 2 unit and individuals at the level 1 unit. RESULTS: The SEM results showed that older couples who slept in separate rooms experienced lower levels of PWB (β= - 0.12, p < .05) compared to those who slept together. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was also conducted, which controlled for previous relationship quality (e.g., conflict tactics), and the significant association between sleep in separate rooms and lower levels of PWB persisted (β= - 0.09, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep arrangement is a significant factor in a couple's PWB. The present investigation also underscored the importance of considering sleep within the context of a couple's relationship. Overall, the findings emphasize the need to consider the sleep arrangements of older couples when assessing their PWB.