Sleep Quality among Older Adults in Brazil during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: The Role of Physical Activity

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To assess sleep quality and sleepiness among older adults after social distancing during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its association with physical activity. Materials and Methods The present cross-sectional study included a sample of 290 Brazilians aged ≥ 60 years. Subjective sleep quality and sleepiness were assessed using the Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results Of the 290 participants, 29.7% reported worsening sleep quality during the pandemic, with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) MSQ score of 31.6 ± 8.8. Worsening of the perceived sleep quality during the pandemic and previous COVID-19 diagnoses were associated with higher MSQ scores (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013 respectively). Physical inactivity was not associated with sleep quality but was associated with sleepiness (p = 0.030). Conclusion It is important to develop strategies that encourage physical activity, among other modifiable health factors, to help improve sleepiness among older adults.