Poor Sleep Health Predicts Mobility Decline in Women with Chronic Conditions

Key takeaways:

• Researchers analyzed data from over 70,000 women in the Nurse’s Health Study to track sleep and mobility trends.
• Poor sleep health predicted a decline in mobility over the eight years following a chronic health diagnosis.
• Women with diabetes, osteoarthritis, or multiple sclerosis and signs of sleep apnea were more likely to require assistive devices.
• The study suggests sleep disturbances may be an upstream contributor to functional decline, not just a consequence.

Poor sleep health can lead to significant daily challenges, including difficulty with movement for individuals managing chronic illnesses. A new study suggests that poor sleep health predicts a decline in mobility over the eight years following a chronic health diagnosis.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Health utilized data from the Nurse’s Health Study, a cohort of over 70,000 women nurses surveyed every two years. The team focused on the impact of sleep on future mobility, specifically within the context of chronic health conditions known to affect physical function. The findings were published in Sleep Epidemiology.

The study reveals that women with diabetes, osteoarthritis, or multiple sclerosis who also exhibited signs or symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea were particularly more likely to experience future mobility problems compared to counterparts without signs of sleep apnea.

“Poor sleep is often overlooked or assumed to be a consequence of aging, functional decline, or disability in those with chronic health conditions,” says senior author Tiffany J Braley, MD, MS, associate professor of neurology, in a release. “However, sleep disturbances and disorders may also be an upstream contributor to these issues.”

The investigation found that signs of obstructive sleep apnea, reported sleep durations outside of recommended guidelines, and a perception of inadequate sleep were all associated with an increase in the future use of assistive devices, such as canes or wheelchairs.

“Treating sleep problems can have positive effects on other parts of life, including physical functions like mobility. In our clinical experiences within medical and rehabilitation contexts, we have observed that how someone is sleeping can have a direct impact on how they engage in physical activities as part of their treatment or self-management,” says first author Daniel Whibley, PhD, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Michigan Health, in a release.

Braley notes that while reasons for these findings may vary depending on the condition, the results underscore the importance of early intervention. She encourages providers to screen patients with chronic conditions for sleep disturbances and refer to sleep specialists early if an underlying sleep disorder is suspected.

“Identifying sleep disturbances or signs of a sleep disorder, providing information about healthy sleep habits and referral to a specialist when needed may help to reduce the progression of mobility issues,” says Whibley, in a release. “Our study is the first to observe this association in women, including those with and without long term conditions, making this research important to consider when addressing ways to better the long-term health of women with these conditions.”

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