Background.
Aging is accompanied by changes in sleep regulation, reduced nutrient adequacy, and an increased prevalence of chronic conditions. Vitamin D is considered a potentially modifiable factor influencing neuroendocrine regulation of sleep, circadian rhythms, and neuroinflammatory processes. However, data on the association between actual vitamin D intake and sleep disorders in older populations remain limited, particularly in Central Asian countries.
Objective.
To assess the association between dietary vitamin D intake and the presence of sleep disorders in older adults.
Methods.
This cross-sectional study included 425 geriatric participants aged 60 years and older, recruited from social service centers and active longevity centers. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall and an adapted food frequency questionnaire. Sleep disorders were evaluated based on questionnaire data. Group differences were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The predictive value of vitamin D intake for sleep disorders was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Results.
Median vitamin D intake among participants with sleep disorders was 2.10 µg (Q1-Q3: 0.89-4.40), compared with 2.34 µg (Q1-Q3: 1.31-6.00) among those without sleep complaints. Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups (p = 0.033). ROC analysis demonstrated a moderate but statistically significant discriminatory ability of vitamin D intake for sleep disorders (AUC = 0.561; p = 0.033). The optimal cut-off value was 1.56 µg, with a sensitivity of 68.2% and a specificity of 45.2%.
Conclusions.
Low dietary vitamin D intake is associated with a higher prevalence of sleep disorders in older adults. These findings highlight the importance of considering nutritional status in the prevention of age-related sleep disturbances and support the need for further research.