Physical Activity May Protect Against Late-Life Insomnia

By Dr. Gregg D. Jacobs

Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between exercise and improved sleep quality, which is likely due to the connection between exercise and increased sleep drive. This suggests that the increased prevalence of late-life insomnia may be due, in part, to diminished level of physical activity that is characteristic of older adults.

Studies have also linked sleep to other daytime activities such as stimulating daytime activities. To further examine the relationship between sleep and daytime activity, a recent study in the Journal of Sleep Research (12:2003, 231-238) examined the effects of a variety of daytime activities, health and well being on sleep, including exercise and social activity.

The study population included over 1000 individuals ages 65 and over living in the United Kingdom who were surveyed in 1985, 1989, and 1993. Physical activity was assessed based on categories such as gardening, housework, walking, etc. Health assessment included symptoms such as headaches, heart or stomach problems, eye or foot problems, and so on.

Well-being was measured using depression inventories while social activity was measured using a scale that measured behaviors such as voting, library use, letter writing, attending religious services, etc. Sleep was assessed by a questionnaire that measured difficulty falling asleep and sleep duration.

The authors found that about 22% of individuals reported insomnia in the first of the three surveys. Lower social activity, lower physical activity, and lower daily walking levels in particular were significantly associated with higher levels of insomnia. Age did not predict insomnia, while mental and physical health and well-being did predict insomnia.

Overall, these findings suggest that there is a significant relationship between physical inactivity and insomnia in older adults and that higher levels of physical activity protect older adults against insomnia. Additionally, poorer physical health and depressed mood are associated with higher levels of insomnia in older adults. The authors conclude that higher levels of daily activities associated with recreation, personal, and domestic maintenance may afford protection against insomnia in older adults.