Effects Of Moderate Sleep Restriction On Physical Activity In Older Long And Average Duration Sleepers

PURPOSE: The relationship between sleep and physical activity is an area of growing scientific interest, particularly in the context of older adults. This dissertation investigates the intricate relationship between long sleep duration and its influence on physical activity in this demographic, a topic increasingly relevant due to rising healthcare costs. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis examining the effects of moderate time-in-bed (TIB) restriction (60 minutes per night) on various intensities of physical activity (sedentary, light, moderate, vigorous, moderate-vigorous physical activity) in older adults classified as long sleepers (>9 hours per night) and average duration sleepers (7-9 hours per night). A randomized controlled trial design was utilized, examining the effect of treatment changes in objectively measured activity (waist actigraphy) and physical activity levels as measured by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. RESULTS: Contrary to our hypothesis, no significant effect of TIB restriction was observed across all physical activity levels in either long sleepers or average sleepers. However, an association was found between increased sleep efficiency (+0.09% [SD = ± 4.64%]) and light physical activity (±31 minutes [SD = ± 104.81, R = 0.445, P < 0.007]) in long sleepers undergoing TIB restriction. Mean TIB restriction compared with baseline was 39.5 minutes in average sleepers and 52.9 minutes in long sleepers randomized to TIB restriction. CONCLUSIONS: While the study presents methodological limitations, including its nature as a secondary analysis and the less-than-intended achievement of TIB restriction, it adds a valuable layer to the existing body of research on sleep and physical activity in older adults. Our findings suggest that moderate TIB restriction may not be sufficiently impactful to change behavior in physical activity levels, thus highlighting the need for more nuanced, targeted research in this domain.