Effects of volitional lifestyle on rest-activity cycle in the aged

Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1999 Apr;53(2):271-2. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1819.1999.00490.x.

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship among volitional lifestyle, activity and sleep in the aged. We selected 28 subjects over 65 years of age to survey volition to lifestyle. High-volitional group (14 Ss, mean age: 74.1 years, seven males and seven females) and low-volitional group (14 Ss, mean age: 73.0 years, seven males and seven females) were identified by the scale of self-confidence and the Philadelphia Geriatric Center morale scale. Wrist activities were monitored by Actigraph for 10 or 14 consecutive days. The subjects recorded sleep logs by themselves for those days. It was found that high volitional aged individuals had a relatively well structured sleep in comparison with low volitional aged individuals, and that most of them took a clock dependent habitual nap around 14.00 h. On the other hand, low volitional aged individuals had a relatively poor structured sleep, and took a nap time-dependently after 8 h from the morning rising time. These results suggest that high volitional aged individuals build a short nap into their well organized sleep-life habits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Morale
  • Motivation*
  • Personality Inventory
  • Self Concept
  • Sleep Stages*
  • Wakefulness