Long sleep duration is associated with lower cognitive function among middle-age adults – the Doetinchem Cohort Study

Sandra H. van Oostrom*, Astrid C.J. Nooyens, Martin P.J. van Boxtel, W. M.Monique Verschuren

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

1 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives In older adults, both short and long sleep duration are associated with lower cognitive function, suggesting an inverted U-shaped association between sleep duration and cognitive outcomes. This study examined whether sleep duration is associated with (changes in) cognitive function in a middle-aged population. Methods In the Doetinchem Cohort Study, the cognitive function of 2970 men and women aged 41–75 years at baseline (1995–2007) was examined 2–3 times, with 5-year time intervals. Global cognitive function and the domains memory, information processing speed, and cognitive flexibility were assessed. In multivariable linear regression models, (change in) self-reported sleep duration was studied in association with the level and change in cognitive function. In a subsample of the population (n = 2587), the association of sleep duration and feeling rested with cognitive function was studied. Results Sleep duration of 9 h and more was statistically significantly associated with lower global cognitive function (p < 0.01), memory (p = 0.02), and flexibility (p = 0.03), compared to a sleep duration of 7 or 8 h. Among adults feeling frequently not well rested, both short and long sleep duration were associated with a lower speed of cognitive function. An inverted U-shaped association between sleep duration and cognitive function was observed for speed, flexibility, and global cognitive function. Sleep duration was not associated with change in cognitive function. Conclusions Middle-age adults with long sleep duration had a lower cognitive function.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)78-85
Number of pages8
JournalSleep Medicine
Volume41
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • Cognitive function
  • Cohort study
  • Middle age
  • Sleep duration

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Long sleep duration is associated with lower cognitive function among middle-age adults – the Doetinchem Cohort Study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this