Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between sleep pattern and healthcare expenditures in adults, as well as to identify whether physical activity, biochemical markers and obesity affect this relationship. The sample was composed of 168 adults aged ≥ 50 years attended by two Basic Healthcare Units in Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil. Health expenditure, sleep pattern, anthropometry, adiposity index, physical activity, metabolic and cardiovascular variables were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Spearman tests. Sleep disorders were positively correlated to higher costs with medicines and negatively correlated to costs with laboratory tests, even after adjusts by confounders. In addition, healthcare costs were also correlated to physical activity score, blood pressure, obesity and metabolic variables. Severe sleep disorders and high percentage of body fat were associated with increased use of medications. Sleep pattern is correlated to primary care healthcare costs, obesity and physical activity level.
Highlights
MethodsObesity is a major public health problem that has attracted considerable attention worldwide[1]
Notes: 95%CI = 95% confidence interval; IR = interquartile range; MSQ = mini-sleep questionnaire; Body mass index (BMI) = body mass index; WC = waist circumference; BF = body fatness; HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; VLDL-C = very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This cross-sectional study involving patients of the Brazilian National Healthcare System found a high percentage of sleep disorders in this population and identified an important relationship between sleep pattern, behavioral variables and high healthcare expenditures
Regarding the significant relationship between sleep pattern and physical activity level in leisure-time / locomotion domain, Perrier[25] point out that physical activity may influence the release of serotonin, a fundamental hormone that regulates sleep/wake cycle, and the amount and intensity of physical activity performed have been linked to better sleep quality[25]
Summary
MethodsObesity is a major public health problem that has attracted considerable attention worldwide[1]. Obesity is associated with modification in several comorbidities, including sleep-related disorders, which affect cardiovascular and metabolic markers[3,4]. Zanuto et al.[5] found high prevalence of sleep disorders in a sample of Brazilian adults (46.6%), which was associated with overweight and obesity. Hanlon et al.[6] identified that the ratio ghrelin peak / leptin peak increased in patients following restricted sleep, suggesting a change in neuroendocrine signaling, which could promote hunger and less satiety, and as consequence, it would be related to obesity and overweight. Physical activity is recognized to be an important behavior related to health outcomes, mainly because it promotes beneficial changes in body composition[6]. Chen et al.[7] showed that moderate to intense physical activity performed during eight to 12 weeks caused significant reductions in fat percentage (-3.4%), decreased fat mass (-3.1 Kg) and increased lean mass (2 Kg), with effects lasting for four weeks, including in older adults with BMI above 28.1 Kg/m2
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
