Poor sleep health is emerging as a significant factor in the decline of daily mobility, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions. A recent study led by researchers from the University of Michigan Health, published in Sleep Epidemiology, reveals that sleep disturbances may be a critical contributor to mobility issues in women living with chronic illnesses.
The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study—a cohort of over 70,000 female nurses followed over several decades—focused on the relationship between sleep quality and the progression of mobility problems. With surveys conducted every two years, the researchers paid special attention to the impact of chronic conditions known to affect mobility, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Findings suggest that poor sleep is a strong predictor of mobility decline in the eight years following the diagnosis of a chronic health condition. Specifically, women with these conditions who also displayed symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea were at a significantly higher risk of developing future mobility problems compared to their peers without such symptoms.
“Poor sleep is often dismissed as a natural consequence of aging or a result of disability in patients with chronic conditions,” said Dr. Tiffany J. Braley, the study’s senior author and associate professor of neurology at the University of Michigan Health. “However, sleep disturbances may actually play a role in exacerbating these issues.”
Dr. Braley, who also leads the multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology division at the university, emphasized that addressing sleep disorders could potentially improve physical functions, including mobility. Dr. Daniel Whibley, the study’s first author and assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, noted that poor sleep often directly impacts patients’ ability to engage in physical activities, a critical aspect of rehabilitation and self-management.
The study further highlights that various sleep problems—including signs of obstructive sleep apnea, deviations from recommended sleep durations, and general feelings of inadequate rest—are linked to an increased need for mobility aids, such as canes or wheelchairs.
Dr. Whibley recommends that both healthcare providers and patients prioritize sleep health. “Identifying sleep disturbances early, educating patients on healthy sleep habits, and referring them to sleep specialists can potentially slow the progression of mobility issues,” he said. “Our study, which is the first of its kind in women with and without long-term conditions, underscores the importance of considering sleep health when working to improve long-term outcomes for these patients.”
While the reasons behind these findings may vary depending on the specific chronic condition, Dr. Braley stresses the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms. She also encourages healthcare providers to regularly screen patients with chronic conditions for sleep problems and to consider referring them to sleep specialists when necessary, as many sleep disorders are treatable.
For patients, Dr. Whibley advises that addressing sleep issues should be a priority. “Viewing sleep as an integral part of overall health—especially for those seeking to manage or prevent disability—can empower individuals to take charge of their physical well-being,” he concluded.
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