Investigation of the effect of sleep quality on balance, reaction time and interoception in young women

Aim: This study primarily examined the effects of sleep quality on dynamic balance, reaction time, and interoception in young women. The secondary aim of the study was to examine factors affecting sleep quality. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine women aged 18–35 were divided into good (n=24) and poor (n=25) sleep quality groups based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Dynamic balance was evaluated with modified Lower Quarter Y Balance Test, reaction time with a FitLight Trainer™, and interoception with the Body Awareness Questionnaire. Results: Poor sleep quality was associated with reduced dynamic balance (dominant p=0.042; non-dominant p=0.007), slower reaction times (p=0.0001), and reduced interoception (p=0.026). Reaction time predicted poor sleep; each unit increase raised risk by 44.5 % (p=0.003). Conclusion: Poor sleep quality negatively impacts balance, reaction time, and interoception in young women, underscoring the importance of healthy sleep patterns.