Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the sleep patterns and factors influencing sleep in institutionalized elders and elders living at home. Methods: The 295 respondents were from the city of Daegu and were either institutionalized or living at home. A structure questionnaire was used for data collection, which was conducted from February 10 to March 28, 2007 using a questionnaire which included the Sleep Patterns Scale by Oh et al. (1998). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, using the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and stepwise multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN 12.0 were used to analyze the data. Results: The results are as follows: First, the mean for sleep patterns in institutionalized elders was 40.77; and 39.13 for elders living at home. Second, factors influencing sleep patterns in institutionalized elders were economic status and pain. The factors influencing sleep patterns in elders living at home were gender, educational status, perceived health status, and pain. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that nursing interventions are needed to improve sleep patterns in institutionalized elders and in elders living at home. This study provides useful information that could assist in the development of these types of programs.