Association of quality of sleep with cardiovascular parameters, body mass index, and cognition in young adults

Abstract

Background: Sleep of good quality and quantity is important for the physical and mental health of an individual. In recent times, there have been increasing reports on the poor quality of sleep and sleep-related disorders among the general population, more so among young adults owing to various social, physiological, and psychological reasons. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the quality of sleep among young adults and to assess its extent of correlation with cardiovascular parameters, body mass index (BMI), and cognitive status of these individuals. Materials and Methods: Two hundred young adults aged 18–23 years were recruited in the study. Blood pressure (BP) and basal heart rate (HR) were recorded using an automated BP apparatus and the height and weight of the participants were measured to calculate their BMI. Sleep quality and extent of daytime sleepiness were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, respectively. Cognitive status in terms of attention and psychomotor speed of the study participants was assessed by simple visual reaction time (VRT) and simple auditory reaction time (ART). Pearson correlation coefficient test was performed to assess the correlation between the study parameters. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Statistically significant positive correlations (P < 0.001) were observed between PSQI scores, ESS scores and BP, HR, BMI, and simple reaction time (RT). Similarly, significant negative correlations (P < 0.001) were observed between sleep hours and PSQI scores, ESS scores, BP, HR, BMI, and reaction time (RT). Conclusion: Poor quality of sleep is associated with increased BP, increased BMI, and decreased cognition in young adults.