Actigraphy in older adults: comparison of means and variability of three different aggregates of measurement

Behav Sleep Med. 2008;6(2):127-45. doi: 10.1080/15402000801952872.

Abstract

Actigraphy has emerged as a valuable method for measuring natural sleep patterns; however, it is unclear how many consecutive nights should be measured and what sleep parameter values are typical of older adults. This study examined sleep in relatively healthy community-based older adults for 14 consecutive days. The findings present comparison values for Actiwatch-L actigraphy in older adults, and can be used to determine an appropriate length of measurement. When using means of the aggregate period, a 3-day aggregate is comparable to the values obtained over 7- or 14-day aggregates. However, if variability of the sleep parameter is of interest, a minimum of a 7-day aggregate is needed, and 14-day aggregates are better when measuring sleep onset latency.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Electrophysiology / instrumentation
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polysomnography / instrumentation*
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sleep / physiology*
  • Sleep Stages
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / diagnosis
  • Wakefulness / physiology*