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This cross-sectional study aimed to identify factors related to the fragmentation and stability of the rest-activity rhythm (RAR) in adults and older adults. It is part of a larger research project investigating aspects concerning sleep duration, quality, and disorders in a representative subsample of the population. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle, health habits and subjective sleep variables were obtained; RAR records were collected by means of actigraphy and analyzed using non-parametric variables (IS, IV, M10, L5, RA, sL5, and sM10). Study participants were 313 individuals with complete actigraphy records. There was a prevalence of older adults (50.2%) and females (51.1%). Females, individuals with 4-8 y of education, and those who used alcohol abusively exhibited lower RAR fragmentation. Higher fragmentation was observed in individuals who napped and those reporting poor sleep quality. Greater rhythm stability was evident in females, older adults, those with 4-8 y of education, and those who had a partner. Smokers demonstrated lower RAR stability. These findings may contribute valuable insights for decision-making aimed at preventing and treating issues related to fragmentation and instability of the rhythm and its possible consequences to health.

Aim and Objective: To analyse the association between napping, functional capacity and satisfaction with life in older adult residing in the community., Method: A cross-sectional population-based study using data from a health survey conducted in a city of the state of São Paulo. Information on sociodemographic and clinical variables was collected through a questionnaire, as well as the occurrence or not of napping and satisfaction with life. Functional capacity was assessed using the Katz Index and Lawton-Brody Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Rao-Scott chi-square test and a hierarchical analysis using stepwise backward multiple Poisson regression. p-Values <0.05 were considered significant. In this paper, we adhere to STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology guidelines., Results: There was predominance of the 60-69 years age group (51.3%) and of females (60.8%). The majority of the older adults (57.5%), of both sexes, reported napping. A higher prevalence of napping was found in the older subjects, the male sex, the subjects without children, those with health problems and those that were partially dependent in instrumental activities of daily living., Conclusions: The study showed that naps are prevalent in older adults. The need to identify the issues that permeate napping is emphasised, in order to promote health in individuals of this age group, before classifying the practice as beneficial or harmful., Relevance to Clinical Practice: It is essential that health professionals, in their practices, consider the complaints and reports of naps in the elderly, in an attempt to detect and reduce possible consequences in activities of daily living., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)