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The relationship between sleep and physical function in community-dwelling adults: a pilot study
Rebecca Ann Lorenz1, Chakra B Budhathoki, Gurpreet K Kalra
1Saint Louis University School of Nursing, St Louis, Missouri (Dr Lorenz); John Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Budhathoki); Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Dr Kalra); and George Mason University School of Nursing, Fairfax, Virginia (Dr Richards).
Family & Community Health
|August 29, 2014
Summary
Older adults experiencing insufficient total sleep time may face increased risks of preclinical disability and mobility challenges. This suggests sleep duration is a key factor in maintaining physical function as we age.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Over 50% of community-dwelling adults report sleep complaints.
- Aging commonly leads to a decline in physical function.
- Sleep difficulties may worsen age-related functional decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the associations between sleep, age, chronic disease burden, and physical function.
- To investigate the role of sleep in functional decline among older adults.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 50 community-dwelling older adults.
- Examined relationships between total sleep time, age, chronic disease burden, and physical function.
- Utilized regression analysis to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Significant negative correlations found between total sleep time and preclinical disability (r = -0.33, P ≤ .05).
- Significant negative correlations found between total sleep time and mobility difficulty (r = -0.36, P ≤ .05).
- Total sleep time remained significantly associated with mobility and disability after controlling for chronic disease burden.
Conclusions:
- Total sleep time is a significant factor associated with physical function in older adults.
- Insufficient sleep may act as a catalyst for functional decline, independent of chronic disease.
- Maintaining adequate sleep may be crucial for preserving physical function in aging populations.
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