Better sleep is associated with improved mobility in adults: a scoping review

To review the literature on whether sleep impacts mobility in adults.

Ovid Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched. Citations were randomly divided so that each was screened separately by 2 authors. Data were extracted from included articles independently by 2 reviewers.

The search strategy generated 8,772 references, 697 articles underwent full-text screening, and 108 eligible articles were included in the scoping review. Most studies (n = 69; 64%) included only self-reported sleep, and "walking" was the most common mobility category (n = 99). Most studies (n = 60; 56%) reported a positive association between sleep and mobility, indicating better sleep was associated with better mobility or worse sleep was associated with worse mobility. Most studies, including people with cardiovascular, kidney, metabolic, mental health, neurological, and pulmonary conditions, reported a positive association between sleep and mobility.

Most studies reported a positive association between sleep and mobility. However, due to the variety of sleep and mobility outcomes used, it was challenging to compare studies and synthesize results. Further, due to a relatively small sample size and variety of health conditions, conclusions cannot be drawn, and further research is needed.