Association of sleep duration with underweight and obesity in older adults: A cross-sectional study of the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey

Physical activity intensity, frequency, duration, volume and the risk of possible sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults

This study explored the association of physical activity (PA) from different dimensions including intensity, frequency, duration, and volume with possible sarcopenia (PSA), and established the PA cut-off value to identify PSA in middle-aged and older adults. The data in this study were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2015. There were 7,957 adults aged over 45 years in the analysis. PA was assessed using a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Muscle strength and physical performance were measured to define PSA. Results showed that men spending at least 3 days each week, more than 10 min each time on vigorous-intensity PA, or a minimum of 933 Mets on total PA each week had a lower risk of PSA. In women, spending at least 3 days each week, more than 30 min each time on moderate-intensity PA, or taking at least 6 days each week, more than 120 min each time on low-intensity PA, or a minimum of 933 Mets on total PA each week was associated with a lower risk of PSA. In older adults (≥ 65 years), spending at least one day each week, more than 30 min each time on vigorous-intensity PA, or taking a minimum of 933 Mets on total PA each week was linked with a decreased risk of PSA. However, no significant associations were found between any PA dimensions and PSA in middle-aged adults (45-64 years). A receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the PA cut-off value was 695 and 693 Mets each week for predicting PSA for men and women. The findings suggested that the intensity, frequency, duration, and weekly volume of PA is associated with the risk of PSA in middle-aged and older adults, and the association largely depends on sex and age. The PA cut-off value may be an early indication for a higher risk of sarcopenia.

Investigating the linkages between food insecurity, psychological distress, and poor sleep outcomes among U.S. college students

OBJECTIVE

Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that sleep is key to human health and wellbeing. Several factors likely contribute to sleep quality, including factors, such as food security and low income. In addition, exposure to structural inequalities early in life likely have downstream effects upon multiple dimensions of health. The objective of this study is to fill gaps in literature by specifically examining the associations between childhood food insecurity, current food insecurity, psychological distress, and sleep among college students.

METHODS

QR codes were randomly distributed to students, linking them to an online quantitative survey. The survey measured sociodemographic variables, food security (current and childhood), diet, mental distress, and sleep quality. A total of n = 134 completed the entire survey. Data were analyzed using binary and multiple linear regressions, as well as cross-tabulations.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that psychological distress was the primary factor influencing sleep health (𝛽 = 1.51, p < .01). Students reporting higher childhood food insecurity were more likely to experience extreme psychological distress (OR = 4.61), food insecurity in college (OR = 8.41), and lack of stable housing (OR = 5.86).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that potential linkages exist between childhood food insecurity, poor sleep, and greater psychological distress. While acknowledging the contribution of other factors, the study highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity in relation to sleep health, considering the significant impact of sleep to overall health and wellbeing.

Associations between social jetlag trajectories and body mass index among young adults

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This study employed longitudinal data collected repeatedly from individuals over the course of several years to examine the trajectories of social jetlag from ages 11 to 22 years and their associations with subsequent body mass index (BMI). Potential sex differences were also investigated.

METHODS

Data were obtained from two longitudinal studies conducted in Taiwan (N = 4287). Social jetlag was defined as ≥ 2 hours of absolute difference in sleep midpoint between weekdays and weekends. BMI was calculated using weight (kg)/height(m)2 and categorized as underweight (<18 kg/m2), normal weight (18 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 24 kg/m2), overweight (24 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 27 kg/m2), and obese (≥27 kg/m2). Group-based trajectory modeling and multinomial logistic regression were applied to investigate study objectives.

RESULTS

Four distinct trajectories of social jetlag throughout the adolescent years were identified, with corresponding proportions as follows: low-stable (42%), moderate-decreasing (19%), low-increasing (22%), and chronic (17%) trajectories. Among males, the risk of being underweight (aOR, 1.96; 95% CI: 1.35 to 2.84) or obese (aOR, 1.40; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.92) was higher in individuals with a low-increasing trajectory than in those with a low-stable trajectory. Among females, those with a low-increasing (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.54) or chronic (aOR, 2.04; 95% CI: 1.27 to 3.25) trajectory were at a higher risk of being obese relative to those with a low-stable trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing the development of increasing or chronic social jetlag during adolescence can help prevent abnormal BMI in young adulthood. Practitioners should consider sex differences in treatment or consultation.

Association between nocturnal sleep duration and midday napping and the incidence of sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Identifying treatment targets for sarcopenia is a public health concern. This study aimed to examine the association of nocturnal sleep duration and midday napping with the presence of sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults, utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011 and 2015.

METHODS

A sum of 7,926 individuals (≥40 years) took part in this study. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data on nocturnal sleep duration and midday napping. Nocturnal sleep duration was categorized into three groups: short sleepers (<6 h), normal sleepers (6-8 h), and long sleepers (>8 h). Midday napping was coded as a dichotomous outcome (yes/no).

RESULTS

The incidence of sarcopenia was 5.3% during the 4-year follow-up. Short sleep duration (<6 h) was substantially linked to an increased incidence of sarcopenia (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.21-1.87) as compared to nocturnal sleep length (6-8 h). Adults with midday napping had a lower risk of developing sarcopenia than non-nappers (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63-0.95). We further found that short sleepers with midday napping did not have a significantly higher risk of subsequent diagnosis of sarcopenia compared to normal sleepers without midday napping.

CONCLUSION

These findings imply that short sleep duration in middle-aged and older persons is related to an increased incidence of sarcopenia. However, the adverse effect of short sleep duration on sarcopenia can be compensated by midday napping.