Self-reported quality of sleep is associated with physical strength among community-dwelling young-old adults.

Aim: The present study examined the association between self-reported quality of sleep (QOS) and physical function in community-dwelling young-old adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 737 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and older (498 women, 239 men); age 68.3 ± 5.2 years (range 60-79 years). Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, as well as information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption. The χ -test was used to compare categorical variables stratified by QOS, and the unpaired t-test was used for continuous variables for men and women separately. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses were carried out to verify the association between QOS and physical function measures.

Results: The unpaired t-test showed a significant difference ((P < 0.05) in the Timed Up and Go test and physical strength outcomes, which included: handgrip, quadriceps setting, knee extension and hip flexion strength between the good QOS and poor QOS groups among the men. However, the t-test results for physical function outcomes did not show a significant difference among the women. In the logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, sex and potential confounding factors, handgrip strength remained significantly associated with QOS (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-1.00).

Conclusion: QOS was associated with physical function in young-old adults; those with good QOS were especially more likely to possess stronger grip strengths; however, further research is required to identify the temporal relationship. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1808-1813.