| Keywords |
Sleep patterns ; Accelerometer ; Obesity ; Physical activity ; Older |
| Abstract |
This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between objectively measured habitual sleep patterns and obesity in community-dwelling older women (191 subjects aged ≥ 80 years [range: 80-92 years]). Sleep and physical activity were monitored with an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) during at least five consecutive 24-h periods. Night-to-night sleep pattern variability across all recorded nights was assessed by using standard deviations. Body composition was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Associations between sleep pattern parameters and obesity (percentage body fat ≥ 35%) were investigated by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Obese subjects had significantly greater night-to-night variations in bedtime, sleep timing midpoint, and sleep duration than control subjects (p < 0.05). Greater night-to-night variations in bedtime and sleep timing midpoint were associated with obesity in the unadjusted model. In multivariable analysis adjusting for potential confounders, including mean nightly sleep duration, self-reported nap duration, and daily physical activity, the highest quartile of night-to-night variation in bedtime (≥ 39 min) was associated with a 4.54-fold increased odds of obesity compared with < 39 min. In summary, inconsistent sleep patterns were independently associated with increased obesity, suggesting that sleep patterns are an important modifiable factor associated with development of obesity in older adults. |