O046 Adherence to Dietary Guidelines Predicts Sleep outcomes in Older Australian Women: Findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sleep quality and quantity is impacted by age, with women more susceptible to these age-related changes. Poor sleep in older adults is linked to adverse health outcomes and a greater risk of all-cause mortality. Given the ageing population in Australia, strategies to improve sleep in older adults is critical. Diet is a modifiable lifestyle factor that may improve sleep. This study investigated the relationship between adherence to dietary guidelines and sleep problems in older Australian women. Method Data from n=7956 Australian women from the 1946-1951 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health were included (mean age±SD: 70.8±1.5 years). Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire, reported as a diet quality score (0-100, with 100 indicating best diet quality). Sleep problems were measured with five questions that asked about early waking, time taken to fall asleep, sleep quality, wake after sleep onset, and worry related awakenings at night. Results At least one sleep problem was reported by 70.2% of participants, and 20.5% reported between 3-5 sleep problems. Overall adherence to dietary guidelines was poor, with an average diet quality score of 56.9±10.7. Linear regression revealed that better adherence to dietary guidelines was associated with fewer sleep problems (β: –0·065, 95 % CI: –0·012, –0·005). Discussion While dietary adherence in older Australian women was poor, adherence to dietary guidelines was associated with fewer symptoms of sleep problems. To improve the sleep and overall health of older Australian women, strategies to improve dietary adherence should be prioritised.