Poor sleep quality is associated with increased fall risk in older adults
In a cross-sectional study of 67 older adults, fall occurrence was associated with poorer sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (ρ = 0.243; p = 0.047). Participants in a community-based physical activity program (G60UP) had better sleep quality (lower PSQI scores) and reported fewer falls (0.26 ± 0.51 vs. 0.78 ± 0.83; p = 0.005) compared to sedentary older adults.
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Poor sleep quality is associated with increased fall risk in older adults The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Poor sleep quality is associated with increased fall risk in older adults
This conclusion is most relevant to: Older adults (mean age 68-70 years) in Brazil, including 35 enrolled in a physical activity program and 32 sedentary.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Physical Activity and Healthy Aging: Functional, Cognitive, and Sleep Predictors Associated with Fall Risk in Older Adults. (International journal of environmental research and public health, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Poor sleep quality may impair balance and postural control
- ▸Sleep disturbances can lead to daytime fatigue and reduced attention
- ▸Fatigue and attention deficits increase the likelihood of falls
- ▸Result: Higher fall risk in older adults with poor sleep quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Older adults (mean age 68-70 years) in Brazil, including 35 enrolled in a physical activity program and 32 sedentary
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents establishing causality between sleep quality and falls
- ▸Small sample size (n=67) limits generalizability and statistical power for multivariable analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)?▼
The PSQI is a self-reported questionnaire that assesses sleep quality over a one-month period, covering domains such as sleep duration, latency, disturbances, and daytime dysfunction.
Does physical activity improve sleep quality in older adults?▼
This study found that older adults in the physical activity program had better sleep quality (lower PSQI scores) compared to sedentary peers, suggesting a potential benefit, but the cross-sectional design cannot confirm causation.
How strong is the link between sleep quality and falls?▼
The correlation was weak to moderate (ρ = 0.243, p = 0.047), indicating a statistically significant but modest association between poorer sleep quality and more falls.
What other factors were associated with falls in this study?▼
Falls were also associated with lower mobility scores (Tinetti), longer Timed Up and Go times, older age, and higher abdominal adiposity (Conicity Index).
References
- 1.Tavares MS, de Menezes SLS, Monteiro W, Rodrigues CT, Joppert D, Gonçalves TR, D'Avila JDCP, de Moura PH, da Silva Junior JF, Moreno AM. “Physical Activity and Healthy Aging: Functional, Cognitive, and Sleep Predictors Associated with Fall Risk in Older Adults..” International journal of environmental research and public health, 2026. PMID: 42512182 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph23070878