Examination of the relationship between swallowing performance and sleep disorders on geriatric people

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between swallowing performance and sleep disorders in geriatric individuals. 50 geriatric individuals aged 65 and over were included in the study. Demographic information of geriatric individuals is recorded. Mental status assessment of geriatric individuals was done with Mini Mental Status Examination, and physical performance assessment was made with 4 Meter Walk Test. Swallowing performance evaluation; The Turkish-Eating Assessment Tool (T-EAT-10), Yale Swallowing Protocol, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) were used. Sleep disturbance assessment was done with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Evaluation of swallowing quality of life was done with the Turkish Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (T-SWAL-QoL), and consumption was evaluated with the Modified Borg Scale. According to T-EAT-10, individuals were divided into two groups as those with dysphagia symptoms (T-EAT-10 ≥ 3) (n=27) and those without (T-EAT-10<3) symptoms (n=23). There was no relationship between swallowing disorder symptoms and daytime sleepiness (p>0,05), and there was a weak positive correlation between sleep quality (r=0,284, p<0,05). There was a weak positive correlation between reflux symptom severity and daytime sleepiness (r=0,306, p<0,05), and a moderate positive correlation between reflux symptom severity and sleep quality (r=0,403, p<0,05). There was no correlation between T-EAT-10 and T-SWAL-QoL sub-parameters Eating Time, Eating Desire, Sleep, Fatigue, Mental Health, and Sociality (p>0,05). There was a weak negative correlation between T-EAT-10 and the sub-parameters General Complaint and Food Choice, respectively (r=-0,284, r=-0,321, p<0,05), There was a moderate negative correlation between T-EAT-10 and Fear of Eating and Communication sub-parameters, respectively (r=-0,430, r=-0,434, p<0,05). There was no difference in sleep disorders and physical performance between the groups (p>0,05). As a result, there is no relationship between the symptoms of swallowing disorder, which is one of the swallowing sub-parameters, and daytime sleepiness and sleep quality. There is a moderate relationship between reflux symptom, daytime sleepiness and sleep quality, which is one of the swallowing sub-parameters. It has been suggested that the relationship between sleep and swallowing functions in geriatric individuals should also be investigated with different sample groups.