CORRELATES OF SLEEP PROBLEMS AMONG MEN - THE VIETNAM ERA TWIN REGISTRY

The Vietnam Era Twin (VET) Registry includes 14 800 male twins born 19 39-55 and in military service in 1964-75. A mailed health survey inclu ding the Jenkins Sleep Questionnaire was sent to 11 959 members and 88 70 (74.2%) provided responses on the frequency of sleep problems in th e previous month. Prevalence of those experiencing conditions at least 1 day per month was 67.2% for waking often, 61.5% for waking tired/wo rn out, 48.1% for trouble falling asleep and 48.6% for awakening early . Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to estimate sleep prob lems from demographic, behaviour and lifestyle characteristics, and mo rbid conditions. Black (vs. white) race, older age, church/religious g roup participation, social support, employment, cigarette smoking, lig ht physical activity, and strenuous physical activity were associated with lower risk of one or more sleep problems. Eleven morbid condition s with a prevalence of 1% or more, coffee consumption, heavy alcohol c onsumption, and Framingham Type A behaviour pattern were associated wi th a higher risk of sleep problems. These analyses suggest that sleep problems may be one of the mechanisms relating reduced quality of life to many physical and behavioural characteristics. Fortunately, a numb er of the risk factors associated with sleep problems are lifestyle ch aracteristics which, if modified, may reduce sleep problems.