Rest–activity rhythm and sleep characteristics associated with depression symptom severity in strained dementia caregivers

Strained dementia caregivers show greater depression symptom severity correlated with specific sleep disturbances.

• Increased time awake after sleep onset is linked to higher levels of depression symptoms.
• A higher average level of daily activity is associated with greater depression symptom severity.
• Shorter active periods during the day correlate with increased depression symptoms.
• Earlier settling time in the evening is related to higher depression symptom severity.
• Less steep rest-activity rhythms are associated with greater severity of depression symptoms.
• Independent associations were found between high wake after sleep onset and low steepness of rest-activity rhythms with depression symptoms.

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