Abstract MP088: Relationship Between Daytime Sleepiness and Poor Physical Performance in Middle-aged Adults of the Bogalusa Heart Study

Background: Studies conducted in elderly and frail adult populations, especially those with heart failure, have shown a consistent relationship between poor sleep and poor physical performance. Likewise, a similar association between poor sleep and lower performance has been found in extremely fit, elite athletes. However, this relationship has not been examined in healthy, middle-aged adult populations. Here, we test the cross-sectional association of daytime sleepiness with poor physical performance in our large, bi-racial cardiovascular cohort. Methods: From 2013-2016, 1,223 adults from the Bogalusa Heart Study attended follow-up visits to assess physical and cognitive performance and answer questionnaires pertaining to sleep habits. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to measure daytime sleepiness on an ordinal scale from 0-24. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which consists of chair stands, balance testing, and walk speed, was the outcome measure, with a score of 10) vs. normal (ESS≤10)] and poor physical performance. Results: Our study population had a mean(SD) age of 48.1(5.2) and was 58.6% female and 34.7% black. Mean(SD) ESS was 6.3(4.7). 252 (20.6%) adults exhibited poor physical performance. After covariate adjustment, ESS was significantly associated with an increased risk of poor physical performance (Odds Ratio per 1 SD increase=1.17; 95% Confidence Interval=1.01-1.35; p =0.03). As a dichotomous exposure, an abnormal ESS resulted in a 53% increased risk of poor physical performance (OR=1.53; 95% CI=1.05-2.23; p =0.03). Conclusions: Even among relatively healthy middle-aged adults, daytime sleepiness appears to be associated with poor physical performance.