Daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and sarcopenia in older adults: relationships with falls

Abstract Objective To analyze the correlation between excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, handgrip strength, and falls in older people with and without a risk for sarcopenia. Method Cross-sectional study that included 35 people, aged 60 years or older, selected from a convenience sample and divided into two groups: with and without a risk for sarcopenia, determined by the SARC-F questionnaire. Handgrip strength was measured with a handgrip dynamometer, sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR), daytime sleepiness by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS-BR), and falls were self-reported. Results Most participants (76.9%) reported sleep problems, regardless of the group. The PSQI-BR showed a significant difference between the groups (p=0.030), with a higher prevalence of sleep disorders in the group at risk for sarcopenia. There were no significant correlations between the ESS-BR and the other variables. The risk for sarcopenia was correlated with decreased handgrip strength (Rho=-0.431; p=0.010) and a greater number of falls (Rho=0.466; p=0.005). Conclusion A high prevalence of sleep quality problems was observed among participants, regardless of the group. Being at risk for sarcopenia was associated with decreased handgrip strength and increased falls. The importance of an integrated assessment of these factors is highlighted, in order to contribute to more effective health intervention and prevention strategies in older people.