Association Between Sleep Duration and Osteoporosis in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan

Abstract Objectives: This study explored the association between sleep duration and osteoporosis risk in older adults aged > 65 years and investigated the influence of sex, heart rate variability, and sleep quality. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, osteosarcopenia screening was conducted among older adults in long-term care centers operated by Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan in 2019. Osteosarcopenia was diagnosed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Questionnaires explored the relationship between sleep duration and bone mineral density. Initially, data from 357 participants were collected, with missing data and participants under 65 years of age excluded, resulting in 326 participants for the final analysis. Results: This study involved 326 participants with a mean age > 80 years. Sleep duration < 4 h was significantly associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis (odds ratio: 2.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–4.57) regardless of sex. Additionally, heart rate variability (HRV) was not significantly associated with sleep quality or osteoporosis risk. Conclusions: Among older adults aged > 80 years, sleep duration < 4 h is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. HRV may not be an optimal indicator of sleep quality in this demographic.