Sleep disturbances, inflammation, and muscle function in older adults with sarcopenia

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome of muscle and functional loss that increases the risks of falls and mortality, may be aggravated by sleep disturbances that impair protein synthesis and promote catabolism via inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the association between sleep patterns, inflammatory markers, and muscle function in older adults with and without sarcopenia. METHODS: This prospective controlled study included 63 older adults (> 65 years), classified into sarcopenic (ES, n = 31) and non-sarcopenic (ENS, n = 32) groups. Assessments included body composition, muscle function, inflammatory biomarkers, mood, and sleep (polysomnography, actigraphy, questionnaires). RESULTS: The ES showed lower handgrip strength (21.7 ± 7.6 vs. 27.6 ± 10.4 kg; p < 0.05) and poorer physical performance (SPPB: 8.8 ± 2.3 vs. 11.2 ± 1.0; p < 0.05). They presented reduced thigh extension torque (82.7 ± 35.1 vs. 113.0 ± 26.8 N·m; p < 0.05) and flexion torque (44.4 ± 23.7 vs. 53.3 ± 16.0 N·m; p < 0.05). Sleep alterations included shorter total sleep time (p < 0.05), lower sleep efficiency (p < 0.05), higher WASO (p < 0.05), and increased apnea-hypopnea index (p < 0.05). TNF-α levels were higher in ES (p < 0.05). Mood disturbances were also greater, with lower vigor (p < 0.05) and higher TMD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenic older adults exhibit muscle impairments, sleep disturbances, and increased inflammation, which may accelerate sarcopenia progression, making sleep and inflammation important targets for intervention.