Physical activity, chronotype and sleep in a sample of Italian elderly population

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the role of physical habits and chronotype on sleep patterns in a sample of Italian elderly population. Methods One-hundred Italian elderly individuals (50 males; mean age ± SD 70.9 ± 6.3 years) were enrolled and completed the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Moreover, we evaluated the lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL values, total cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios). Results Active subjects (AS) collected better PSQI value compared to inactive subjects (IS) (mean ± SD 5.3 ± 3.1 vs 6.2 ± 3.4). The AS made less use of sleep medications (p < 0.003) and reported less sleep disturbances (p < 0.003) and daytime dysfunctions (p < 0.006) compared to IS. PSQI final and component scores for neither types (N-types) were lower compared to those of morning types (M-types). Referring to the females, active N-type collected lower PSQI value compared to active M-types (mean ± SD 3.9 ± 3 vs 6.2 ± 3.5, respectively; p < 0.05). Active M-types made less use of sleep medications (f < 0.05; p < 0.02) and had less sleep dysfunction (f < 0.03; p < 0.03) compared to inactive M-types, while active N-types reported less daytime dysfunctions (f < 0.03; p < 0.03) compared to inactive N-types. Focusing on males, active M-types reported less disturbances compared to inactive N-types (f < 0.05; p < 0.05). IS showed lower HDL level compared to AS (p < 0.005). Conclusions M-types had worst sleeping habits compared to N-types. IS had worse global sleep quality, more sleep disturbances and made greater use of sleep medications than AS did. An active lifestyle could be considered as useful tool to improve sleep and reduces sleep problems during aging.