Subjective and Objective Sleep Measures in Older People with a History of Falls

Subjective and Objective Sleep Measures in Older People with a History of Falls

Study background: Falls are common in older people, with approximately 40% of those aged 80 and over falling each year. Sleep difficulties in older people have been recognized as a risk factor for falls. Most clinical and research information on sleep in older people, particularly in older fallers has been self-reported. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to describe the level and type of sleep problems in community-dwelling older people who have a history of falls, and to investigate whether sleep difficulties are associated with falls and falls risk. Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional observational study of objective and subjective sleep falls risk and falls history. Thirty-five community-dwelling Veterans or war widow/ers who had fallen at least once in the previous year were recruited. Objective inlaboratory polysomnography and in-home assessment of subjective sleep and falls risk profile were assessed.