The relationship between sleep and physical activity in nonagenarians and centenarians

OBJECTIVE: Since the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality has been poorly studied in nonagenarians and centenarians, this study sought to relate the sleep quality and physical activity in this age group. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the initial assessment of a longitudinal study involving nonagenarians and centenarians in Porto Alegre, Brazil, which included physical activity (yes or no) and sleep quality (altered or normal). The chi-square test, adjusted by logistic regression, was used to investigate the relationship between sleep quality, physical activity, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Among the 233 participants, 26% were physically active and 53% reported altered sleep. Higher frequencies of physical activity and normal sleep occurred in men (36%, p = 0.02 and 54%, p = 0.18), in those living with a caregiver (42%, p = 0.09 and 58, p = 0.51), in those with high school or higher education (33%, p = 0.44 and 58%, p = 0.07), and in those with excellent or good self-perceived health (31%, p = 0.03 and 51%, p = 0.16). Physical activity was lower among those who reported apathy and drowsiness (83%, p = 0.03) and in those who had difficulty falling asleep (66%, p = 0.05). In the adjusted analysis, only education remained significant (p = 0.02, when comparing high school or higher with illiteracy; odds ratio: 3.91 confidence interval 1.18-12.90, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a low frequency of physical activity and a high prevalence of altered sleep patterns in nonagenarians and centenarians. Factors related greater physical activity were also associated with better sleep quality. High school or higher education was a significant and independent predictor of good sleep quality in nonagenarians and centenarians.