Effect of sleep quality on physical performance in the elderly

Deteriorating physical performance with ageing increases the risk of falls, loss of independence, institutionalisation and mortality amongst elderly. Apart from multisystem body decline, poor quality sleep, being a common complaint amongst older adults may be one of the factors affecting physical performance.

To determine the effect of sleep quality on physical performance in the elderly.

The study was conducted on 128 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above in the Delhi- NCR region. They were evaluated as having good sleep (PSQI = /<5) or poor sleep (PSQI>5) quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), upper limb strength using a Hand-Held Dynamometer, and manual dexterity using the Box and Block test.

The findings of the study reveal that participants with poor sleep quality had significantly poorer physical performance in the balance test, gait speed and chair stand test of the SPPB as well as reduced grip strength of the dominant hand as compared to participants with good sleep quality. However, no significant difference was noted between the two groups when comparisons for grip strength of the non-dominant hand and manual dexterity for both hands were made.

This study indicates that poor sleep results in reduced lower-limb performance and dominant-hand grip strength in older adults. Integrating sleep evaluation into geriatric care may offer an opportunity to support the elderly in maintaining independence, mobility, and well-being in line with global goals for healthy ageing.