The relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in elderly

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between physical activity and sleep quality.Method: 228 subjects (126 female, 102 male) with mean age of 78,30 ± 6,48 who stay in rest and care home were included to the study. Demographic features were reported by face to face interview method. Physical activity level (PAL), sleep quality, daytime sleepiness was measured.Results: The results showed that according to PAL, 64 of the elders (20.2%) were inactive, 143 (62.7%) and 39 (17.1%) of them were minimal active and sufficiently active respectively. According to PAL there were no significant difference was found in sleep quality between groups (p:0,33). There was a statistically significant difference was measured in daytime sleepiness between the groups (p: 0,00). There was no significant correlation between physical activity level and sleep quality (p:0,65) Statistically negative, weak and meaningful relationship between physical activity level and daytime sleepiness was found (p:0,03, r:-0,14). Statistically negative, weak, meaningful relationship was found between sleep quality and daytime sleepiness (p:0,00, r:-0,20)Conclusion: The results of the study showed that there is no statistically significant relationship between sleep quality and PAL. However, it is determined that daytime sleepiness is associated with subjects? PAL. It is found that the existance of daytime sleepiness in subjects reduces PAL. There is statistically significant relationship between sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. It is determined that daytime sleepiness is among the causes of low PAL in elderly and should be questioned in the evaluation of PAL.