Chronotype, sleep quality, and functional health in active older adults: A cross-sectional study

Chronotype influences sleep-wake patterns and may affect cognitive and physical functioning in older adults, yet evidence in active ageing populations remains limited. This cross-sectional study included 151 older adults (114 women, 37 men; mean age 70.6 ± 5.80, SD), enrolled in the University of Oviedo's Programme for Senior Students. Chronotype was assessed using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), cognitive performance with the Eurotest, and mobility with the Tinetti Mobility Test. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity, nocturnal light exposure, and sleep medication use, were recorded. Associations were analysed using correlation and multivariate regression models. Morning types represented 49.7% of the sample and intermediate types 43%. Higher MEQ scores were positively associated with better mobility (r = 0.20, p < 0.05), and evening types showed lower balance scores than morning/intermediate types (p < 0.05). Women reported poorer sleep than men (PSQI: 8.0 ± 4.01 vs. 5.7 ± 3.54; p < 0.01). Sleep medication use was associated with poorer sleep quality (B = 4.42, 95% CI [3.29, 5.55], p < 0.01) and lower cognitive performance (B = -0.91, 95% CI [-1.71, -0.10], p < 0.05). In this active older cohort, chronotype and sleep-related behaviours were linked to functional outcomes. Morningness was associated with better balance and mobility, whereas sleep medication use and nocturnal light exposure were related to poorer sleep and cognitive performance. These findings underscore the relevance of chronobiological and lifestyle factors in supporting healthy ageing and functional independence.