The effect of acquired colour deficiency in elderly people on some aspects of sleep

Abstract

It has been reported that elderly people have various difficulties with biological rhythms. However, there are few reports concerning associations between receiving light during the daily routine, colour deficiency and sleep quality. The present study investigated these relationships by using a light and activity monitor (Actiwatch-L) and the desaturated 15-hue colour test. Twenty-four healthy elderly participants took part in the experiment and were classified into Normal, Low, and High levels with regard to acquired colour deficiency. Physical activity and the quantities of light received by the participants during the daytime and night-time were not significantly different between the three groups. ANOVA indicated that “Actual Wake rate (%)” was significantly different (p = 0.0221). Post hoc tests showed that it was significantly different between Normal and High (p < 0.05). These results support the view that an increase in colour deficiency with age alters sleep quality.

Keywords:

• Sleep
• aging
• activity
• light wavelength
• acquired colour deficiency

Acknowledgement

The authors sincerely thank Dr. Jim Waterhouse, Liverpool, UK, for his help in correcting the English text.