Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Study Objectives The study aimed to investigate sex differences in the relationship between sleep quality (self-report and objective) and cognitive function across three domains (executive function, verbal memory, and attention) in older adults. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data from 207 participants with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment (89 males and 118 females) aged over 60. The relationship between sleep quality and cognitive performance was estimated using generalized additive models. Objective sleep was measured with the GT9X Link Actigraph, and self-reported sleep was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results We found that females exhibited stable performance of executive function with up to about 400 minutes of total sleep time, with significant declines in performance ( p = 0.02) when total sleep time was longer. Additionally, a longer total sleep time contributed to lower verbal memory in a slightly non-linear manner ( p = 0.03). Higher self-reported sleep complaints were associated with poorer executive function in females with normal cognition ( p = 0.02). In males, a positive linear relationship emerged between sleep efficiency and executive function ( p = 0.04), while self-reported sleep was not associated with cognitive performance in males with normal cognition. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the relationships between sleep quality and cognition differ between older males and females, with executive function being the most influenced by objective and self-reported sleep. Interventions targeting sleep quality to mitigate cognitive decline in older adults may need to be tailored according to sex, with distinct approaches for males and females. Statement of Significance This research is significant as it addresses the gap in a previously underexplored area of sex differences in the interplay between sleep quality and cognitive function in older populations. By examining both objective and self-reported sleep measures across three cognitive domains, the study provides valuable insights into how sleep impacts various cognitive domains differently in older males and females. Notably, the findings suggest that interventions to improve sleep quality and potentially mitigate cognitive decline may need to be sex-specific.
Source: SLEEP Advances
Institutions: University of Kansas, University of Kansas Medical Center
Language: English
Topic: Sleep and related disorders
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,157
Funder: National Institute on Aging
OpenAlex ID: W4403203147