Sleep Quality and Duration and Risk of Falls in Older Adult Women: the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (swan)
Year: 2024
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Background As the leading cause of injury in American older adults, falls can be consequential for function and mortality, but are preventable. Sleep may be a modifiable risk factor for falls. We hypothesized poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration would be associated with increased risk of falls and a greater number of falls. Methods The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation is a multi-ethnic, community-based longitudinal study of women followed through and beyond the menopausal transition. In 2010-2011, participants self-reported measures of sleep quality and duration. In 2015-2016, participants reported number of falls in the year prior. Adjusted models included demographic and socioeconomic factors, and health conditions. Results Women who reported frequent (5+ times/week) trouble falling asleep and frequent waking in the middle of the night in 2010-2011 had a 27% (RR=1.27, 95% CI=1.01,1.62) and 24% (RR=1.24, 95% CI=1.01,1.48) increased risk of a subsequent fall. Frequent trouble falling asleep and short sleep duration (< 6 hours) were both associated with higher likelihood of recurrent falls (>=3 falls vs. <=1 fall) (OR=2.54, 95% CI=1.30,4.96; OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.07,3.05). Conclusions: Multiple indicators of poor sleep including trouble falling asleep, frequent waking, and short duration were associated with increased fall burden in older adult women. As falls pose a major risk factor for decline in health and mortality, promoting adequate, high-quality sleep may be an essential component in fall prevention.
Source: Innovation in Aging
Authors: Jillian Baker, Michelle Hood, Leslie Swanson, Christopher Kline, Kelly Ylitalo, Jane Cauley, Dr Robin Green, Carrie Karvonen-Gutierrez
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,375
OpenAlex ID: W4405978002