Rest-activity rhythm, positive affect, and cognitive function in older adults

Over the next four decades, the aging population in the U.S. is projected to double, reaching an estimated 80 million by 2040 (Vincent, 2010). Cognitive decline with aging can affect social relationships, increase safety concerns, and burden caregivers (Livingston et al., 2017). Research shows that good sleep, less sedentary behavior, and regular physical activity benefit cognitive health by improving cerebral blood flow and neural growth (Ohayon & Vecchierini, 2005; Zhang et al., 2013). Rest-Activity Rhythm (RAR) elucidates this 24-hour pattern of sleep and activity (Smagula, 2016). However, a gap in our understanding is the relationship between RAR and cognitive function in older adults. Thus, this doctoral dissertation comprises three separate papers aimed at elucidating this gap.