Sleep and Heart Health in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Yue Yiwei, Callow Daniel, Diallo Idiatou, Rabinowitz Jill, Wanigatunga Sarah, Simonsick Eleanor, Schrack Jennifer, Spira Adam
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
How do sleep disturbances affect cardiovascular fitness and energetic efficiency in middle-aged and older adults?
Conclusion
Shorter total sleep time, longer wake bout length, and lower sleep efficiency are associated with poorer cardiorespiratory fitness and energetic efficiency in middle-aged and older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Longer wake bout length was associated with lower VO2max and higher resting metabolic rate.
- Lower sleep efficiency was linked to lower VO2max.
- Shorter total sleep time was associated with higher resting metabolic rate.
- Women showed stronger associations between longer total sleep time and higher VO2max.
- Middle-aged adults had stronger connections between higher sleep efficiency and lower resting metabolic rate than older adults.
Takeaway
If you don't sleep well, it might make it harder for you to be fit and use energy efficiently as you get older.
Methodology
The study used actigraphic sleep parameters to assess associations with cardiorespiratory fitness and energetic measures.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and longitudinal, which may limit causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 72.7 years, with 53.6% being women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website