Is physical inactivity or sitting time associated with insomnia in older men? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Sleep disorders, among which insomnia is the most common, have a significant impact on public health and might be connected to lower levels of physical activity. However, there is no evidence linking physical inactivity or extended sitting time to insomnia in older men. In this study, the associations between physical inactivity and sitting time with insomnia in older male participants from the São Paulo Epidemiologic Sleep Study (EPISONO) were assessed. We investigated a sub-sample of older men from the EPISONO study who completed a series of questionnaires evaluating self-perceived sleep quality and potential associated factors. Sitting time was not associated with poorer sleep in older men. However, physical inactivity and symptoms of depression were positively correlated with self-perceived sleep quality. Our results demonstrated that low levels of physical activity are associated with poor sleep quality. Strategies and policies that encourage and enable older men to be more physically active deserve attention.