A BAD night’s sleep may increase the risk of falls.
That’s according to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Warwick which found sleep disturbances decreased capacity to control posture and balance.
A sample group of healthy adults underwent sleep and balance assessments over two consecutive days to assess day-to-day variations in sleep quality and balance.
Sensors were worn by participants to monitor sleep and test balance.
Team leader Leandro Pecchia said lack of sleep could lead to dizziness and decrease capacity to control posture and balance.
“When we are fit and in good health, our body is able to adapt and we develop a strategy to keep our balance, avoiding falls and incidents,” Dr Pecchia said.
“This ability is reduced with ageing or when there are other conditions that may compromise our ability to adapt.”
The study found just one night of poor sleep could decrease control of posture and old people who had experienced a poor sleep were at the most risk of falling.
Dr Pecchia said findings could increase understanding of in-hospital falls.
For more information, click here.
