Active Lifestyle Is Linked With Proper Sleep Quality in Older Adults Living Nursing Homes

Abstract

Background and Objective Sleep disorders are a significant concern among older adults. Study Objective: This research aims to explore the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality among elderly residents of nursing homes. Methods The study involved 119 individuals aged 65 years and above, residing in nursing homes in Tehran. Demographic information was collected and recorded, followed by measurements of body composition, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices including weight, body mass index, height, waist circumferences, and hip circumferences. Digital scales from OMRON, an OMRON M2 blood pressure monitor, and a measuring tape were used for these measurements. Physical activity and sleep quality were assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Results Pearson correlation analysis revealed an inverse relationship between age and sleep quality (p = 0.003) as well as its components: subjective (p = 0.017), latency (p = 0.001), disturbance (p = 0.020), and dysfunction (p = 0.026). Conversely, a direct and significant correlation was observed between physical activity levels and sleep quality (p = 0.003), along with its components: subjective (p = 0.001), latency (p = 0.001), and disturbance (p = 0.003). Moreover, a positive and significant connection was found between diastolic blood pressure and subjective sleep quality (p = 0.024). Conclusions The study’s results underscore that physical activity serves as a non-pharmacological and cost-effective approach for enhancing sleep quality and averting related complications in elderly individuals.

Keywords

• sleep quality
• sedentary
• older adults
• lifestyle
• physical activity