The Association Between Physical Activity and Sleep Characteristics in People Aged 65 and over: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018

Background: People aged 65 and up have a wide range of sleep issues. Pharmacological interventions often are associated with side effects and low adherence. Physical activity (PA) is a non-pharmacological intervention that has been shown to be effective. Objective: The goal of this study was to see if there was a link between physical activity and sleep characteristics in adults aged 65 and up. Methods: Sleep characteristics and physical activity intensity (non, moderate, vigorous) data from NHANES 2017 to 2018 were analyzed. Participants included in the analysis were aged ≥ 65 years and had completed data from the NHANES sleep disorder questionnaire. Logistic regression was conducted with moderate and vigorous intensities as the exposure and sleep duration, snore frequency, daytime dysfunction, and trouble sleeping as the outcome and included adjustment for confounders. Results: Moderate and vigorous-intensity physical workouts are significantly connected with longer sleep duration as compared to the non-exercise group. (66.9% vs. 79.3%, p < 0.001; 66.9% vs. 77.9%, p < 0.001). However, vigorous exercise is associated with increasing snore frequency (60.6% vs. 68.8%, p = 0.02). Logistic regression showed moderate exercise (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.36 to 2.40), and vigorous exercise (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.18) have significant impact on recommended sleep duration. Conclusions: Our study shows that the elderly who kept moderate to vigorous PA habits are more likely to meet the recommended sleep duration, which is beneficial for their cognition.