Behavioural and psychosocial correlates of sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms in older adults with metabolic syndrome.

Abstract

This study investigated behavioural and psychosocial correlates of sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this cross-sectional study, 535 community-dwelling adults aged ⩾ 65 years (315 MetS; 220 controls) were recruited from outpatient clinics. Sleep quality and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Functional, nutritional, cognitive, and lifestyle factors were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors, and model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis with bootstrap validation. Poor sleep quality and depressive symptoms were more prevalent in participants with MetS. Poor sleep quality was independently associated with depressive symptoms (OR 4.97, 95% CI 3.32-7.46), while depressive symptoms were independently associated with poor sleep quality (OR 5.13, 95% CI 3.42-7.67). MetS and female sex were identified as independent risk factors, whereas higher nutritional status and regular exercise were protective. Sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms are closely interconnected in older adults with MetS suggesting that behavioural and psychosocial factors should be considered in future research and clinical assessment.