0036 Inconsistent Bedtimes Associated with Unhealthier Body Size in Older Adults

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Abstract Introduction A variety of sleep related variables have been shown to impact measures of health, including duration of sleep, consistency of sleep, quality of sleep, and sleep disorders. These can impact respiratory health, metabolic health, immune function, and more. Older adults have been shown to have different sleep schedules, with mostly consistent weeknight and weekend bedtimes and more opportunities to nap. The study investigated which aspects of sleep best predicted body size (averaged standardized body mass index and percent body fat indices). Methods A sample of 304 older adults (55+) participated in surveys and health measures in an urban area in the southeastern United States. Survey data collected were reports of sleep during the last month, including duration at night, nap duration, measures of quality, typical weeknight and weekend bedtime, and reports of possible sleep disorders. Physiological measures, including height, weight, BMI, body fat percentage, blood sugars, blood fats, and fitness tests were conducted. Sleep data were weighted ((5*weeknight+2*weekend)/7) across the week. A hierarchical multiple regression model was run with a standardized average of BMI and body fat percentage with multiple sleep variables as a predictor, controlling for age and socioeconomic status. Results After controlling for age and socioeconomic status (SES), symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, night sleep duration, nap duration, difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep, sleep midpoint, duration inconsistencies and midpoint inconsistences were added to the regression. SES and duration inconsistencies were significant predictors, explaining 16% of the variance in body size. Conclusion Inconsistent bedtimes may be associated with larger body size. Encouraging older adults to have consistent sleep schedules could help preserve health as they age. This may also reduce rates of disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, which are associated with higher BMI, and help promote better overall sleep quality and health. However, these older adults reported fairly consistent sleep midpoint, limiting interpretation of this variable. Support Psychological Sciences department funding