Relationship between sleep and mortality, especially in the elderly

A recent study found that diet could affect the relationship between sleep and mortality, especially in elderly men. The findings of the study were published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

The participants of the study were men and women equal or over the age of 65 years during 1999-2000. The sleep quality was assessed based on a questionnaire given to the patient. Deaths were recorded till the end of 2008.

The study found that the risk of death in elderly men was less in those who slept well or fairly as compared to those who slept poorly. The study also found that if the food intake in elderly men is diverse enough, the effect of poor sleep on mortality could be eliminated.

Women who slept poorly consumed lower quantities of vegetables and vitamin B6 as compared to those who slept well. In women, the mortality was more associated by the levels of the vitamin B6 in the blood as compared to poor sleep. Thus, adequate vitamin B6 in the diet may be more important in reducing mortality of elderly women. Women in the study were more likely to sleep poorly as compared to men.

One of the researchers involved in the study, Emeritus Professor Mark Wahlqvist explained the reason for the possible effect of poor sleep on increasing mortality. According to him, poor sleep has been associated with conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it also caused poor appetite, and can reduce the intake of nutritious foods.