Experts highlight health benefits of a good night’s sleep in older, obese adults

11 Oct 2023 --- Brazil-based researchers associate poor sleep quality in overweight older adults with deterioration in health problems, including anxiety, depression, body fat gain and loss of muscle mass.

Moreover, the study indicates that sleep quality is an independent predictor of lower appendicular lean mass — the sum of lean tissue in arms and legs — as well as health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression in older people with obesity. 

“We have a perfect storm: aging of the population and rising obesity among the elderly, many of whom frequently suffer from poor sleep quality, loss of muscle strength and mass and mental health problems,” says Hamilton Roschel, co-author of the study, nutritionist, clinical exercise physiologist and professor at the University of São Paulo’s Medical School, Brazil. 

“It’s also important to bear in mind that sleep quality is a critical health factor for the general population.” 

Study outcomes 
In the study, published in Scientific Reports, 95 obese men and women over 65 completed a sleep quality questionnaire and a general health questionnaire that focused on anxiety, depression and quality of life. Their body composition and handgrip strength were measured as well. 

The researchers divided them into good and bad sleepers based on their sleep quality scores.

“We found that the poor sleepers had worse physical and mental health, less vitality, more muscle pain and impaired physical and mental functions. They had more body fat, less lean fat and less muscle strength. Their anxiety, depression and quality of life scores were also worse,” explains Roschel.

Poor sleepers had worse physical and mental health, less vitality and more muscle pain.The authors note that obesity during aging impacts several physiological processes, such as anabolic response and glucose metabolism. It also worsens the adverse effects of aging on sleep disorders. 

Growing obesity among older adults 
Rates of obesity are growing worldwide. The World Obesity Federation predicts that 51% of the global population will be overweight or obese by 2035 if current patterns remain unchanged. 

The prevalence of overweight people over 60 in Brazil increased from 53.7% in 2006 to 60.4% in 2019, according to a study that analyzed data from the country’s Health Ministry’s national telephone surveillance survey on risk factors for chronic diseases.  

According to the authors, the study’s outcomes indicate that sleep quality is a significant risk factor for overall health status in these older, obese adults. They state further clinical studies are needed to test potential strategies to improve sleep quality to prevent the outcomes identified. 

“Confirmation that obese older people are at higher risk of worse outcomes can help improve the screening of patients who use the SUS [Brazil’s national health service], so they get the right care and avoid general deterioration of their health,” adds Roschel.

In the coming months, the research team will publish the findings of a complementary longitudinal study involving lifestyle therapies designed to prevent adverse outcomes in body composition, including loss of muscle mass with body fat gain and metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia.

Impact of sleep on health 
Consumers have made deep, restful sleep a top health priority but find it difficult to unwind from stressful lifestyles. They are increasingly looking for natural supplements with multifunctional benefits to relax and get a better night’s sleep, such as magnesium, melatonin, valerian or saffron. 

Earlier this year, researchers found that diet and focusing on sleep, exercise and relaxation guidance helped decrease the biological age of women joining a lifestyle and diet intervention program. A person’s biological age has been identified as the most significant risk factor for chronic diseases of aging. 

Moreover, science has also revealed the importance of sleep for overall health, while active nutrition research indicates that proper rest is crucial for athletic performance. A study by Rousselot showed that collagen peptides, known for their joint and beauty-from-within benefits, can also improve sleep. 

By Jolanda van Hal