Assessment of physical activity and sleep by actigraphy: Examination of gender differences

Author(s): Mendlowicz, M. V., VonGizycki, H., Zizi, F., Nunes, J.

Journal/Book: J Womens Health Gender Base M. 1999; 8: 2 Madison Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538, USA. Mary Ann Liebert Inc Publ. 1113-1117.

Abstract: Research evidence suggests that actigraphy is a very important instrument in documenting sleep/wake patterns of people with a variety of sleep disorders or motor dysfunctions. The present actigraphic investigation examined physical activity and sleep profiles as a function of gender in volunteers monitored in their natural environment. Irrespective of age, women exhibited better sleep quality than did men. This was demonstrated by higher sleep efficiency index and lower frequency of transitions between sleep and wakefulness. Additionally, women slept more than men and had shorter sleep onset latency. However, no significant gender effect on daytime activity level and circadian activity amplitude was observed.

Note: Article Jean-Louis G, Univ Calif San Diego, Dept Psychiat, Circadian Pacemaker Lab, 9500 Gilman Dr, 0667, La Jolla,CA 92093 USA

Keyword(s): DATA-ANALYSIS SOFTWARE; CIRCADIAN-RHYTHMS; WRIST ACTIVITY; WAKE ACTIVITY; AGE; WAKEFULNESS; QUALITY; MALES

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