SLEEP QUALITY, SLEEP DURATION, AND WEIGHT GAIN IN SYMPTOMATIC MENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

Relationships between hormonal changes, short sleep duration, and weight gain have been demonstrated, yet few studies have examined these variables together in menopausal women. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible relationships between weight gain, sleep duration, and sleep quality in symptomatic menopausal women; and to determine if there was a difference in weight gain between good and poor quality sleepers. Meleis' Theory of Transitions was utilized as the theoretical framework. A retrospective descriptive design using a convenience sample of 59 women from three multi-specialty clinics in Northeastern Wisconsin was employed. Subjects were identified by International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 code 627.2, symptomatic menopause, and were mailed a survey packet, including a demographic questionnaire, with self-report of height and weight, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Pearson's r correlation was used to explore relationships between weight gain, sleep duration and sleep quality. The independent t-test was used to compare differences in weight gain over the previous 6 and 12 months between good and poor quality sleepers. Within the sample, the mean global PSQI score was 7.8 (SD = 4.1) indicating poor sleep quality. The average BMI classification was overweight (M = 27.7, SD = 6.7). Greater than one-third of women reported sleeping 6 hours or less per night. No significant differences in weight gain or BMI were found between the groups. No significant relationships between weight gain and sleep quality or sleep duration were found. Study replication with an adequately powered sample is warranted.