Relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in the elderly

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in elderly. Methods: Two hundred twenty two subjects staying in rest and care homes were included in the study. Demographic characteristics were reported by face to face interview method. Physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) were measured. Results: There were no significant difference in sleep quality among physical activity levels (p=0.33). There was a statistically significant difference in daytime sleepiness between the groups (p<0.001). A negative, weak and statistically significant relationship was found between physical activity level and daytime sleepiness (r=-0.14, p=0.03), and between sleep quality and daytime sleepiness (r=0.20, p<0.001). Conclusion: Sleep quality and physical activity level are not related in the elderly. However, daytime sleepiness is associated with subjects' physical activity level. Daytime sleepiness is among the causes of low physical activity level in the elderly and should be questioned in the evaluation of physical activity level.