Combined effect of daily physical activity and social relationships on sleep disorder among older adults: cross-sectional and longitudinal study based on data from the Kasama study

Abstract

Background This study investigated whether daily physical activity of older adults, combined with social relationships, is associated with the risk of sleep disorder. Further, it determined whether a high level of one variable with a low level of the other, leads to a significantly lower risk of sleep disorder than low levels of both. Methods The sample comprised 1339 community-dwelling older Japanese adults: 988 in Study 1 and 351 in Study 2. The level of daily physical activity and range of social relationships were assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Lubben Social Network Scale, respectively. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep disorder. To test the combined relationships and effects in Studies 1 and 2, the medians for the respective scores of each of the following four groups that the participants were categorized into, were calculated: (1) low activity group with low social relationships, (2) low activity group with high social relationships, (3) high activity group with low social relationships, and (4) high activity group with high social relationships. After adjusting for potential confounders, a logistic regression analysis was conducted in Study 1. After adjusting for potential confounders, a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted in Study 2. Results Study 1 revealed that the high activity group with high social relationships showed a significantly lower risk of sleep disorder (ORs: 0.585, 95% CI: 0.404–0.847) than the low activity group with low social relationships. Study 2 also revealed that the high activity group with high social relationships showed a significantly lower prevalence of sleep disorder (HRs: 0.564, 95% CI: 0.327–0.974) than the low activity group with low social relationships. Conclusions Our findings suggest that for older adults with high social relationships, being physically active is favorably associated with sleep quality. However, a high level of one variable with a low level of the other has not been confirmed in improving sleep quality among older adults.

Perceived social support and sleep quality in patients with arteriosclerotic obliterans: The mediating roles of psychological flexibility

“…The results of this study showed that when ASO patients have lower levels of PSS, they tend to have worse sleep quality. The two factors are negatively correlated ( r = −.577, p < .01), which is consistent with previous studies (Hao et al, 2021 ; Seol et al, 2021 ). The reason for this if patients receive less understanding and support from their society, family and friends, they are more likely to deal with this disease negatively, which reduces their confidence in disease recovery (Fivecoat et al, 2018 ; Liu et al, 2021 ) It also amplifies their negative emotions during the disease progression, which reduces their sleep quality (Grey et al, 2020 ).…”

Bidirectional associations between physical activity and sleep in older adults: a multilevel analysis using polysomnography

“…An epidemiological study has demonstrated that lower-intensity physical activity is better than moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity for slowing or halting the degradation of sleep quality 8 . Our previous epidemiological study also indicated that physically active older adults with robust social networks have a lower prevalence of sleep disorders 6 . Low-intensity physical activity may be positively associated with social relationships since it often involves routine daily social activities, such as caring for grandchildren and walking while having a conversation with others 46 .…”

“…Furthermore, combining low-intensity physical activity with social interaction has been found to increase the prevalence of slow-wave sleep 43 . Some researchers have postulated that engaging in low-intensity physical activity in the context of social relationships increases blood flow to the brain, improves neuronal function, and facilitates deep sleep 6 , 43 . These results suggest that, when compared with moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity, low-intensity physical activity induces positive effects on deep sleep among older adults.…”

“…The prevalence of insomnia is lower among older adults who engage in daily physical activity 6 , which exerts distinct effects on sleep quality depending on its intensity (e.g., sedentary behavior, low- or moderate-to-vigorous intensity) 7 ; in particular, daily low-intensity physical activity (e.g., light walking, stretching, lifting hand weights, etc.) is associated with improved sleep quality 7 , 8 .…”

Effect of 12-Week Intake of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide on Sleep Quality, Fatigue, and Physical Performance in Older Japanese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

“…Aging is related to sleep disorders, and approximately 36.2% of older adults complain of insomnia [8]. The causes of sleep disorders are known as delayed circadian rhythm with aging [9,10], lower physical function and/or activity, and a decrease in social interaction [11]. Although hypnotic medications are used to solve these sleep disorders, they may cause side effects such as increased falls risk [12] and decreased cognitive functions [13].…”