Chronotype, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep Regularity–Associations with cardiometabolic health at midlife in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Oulu Deaconess Institute, Wegelius auditorium (Albertinkatu 16)
Topic of the dissertation
Chronotype, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep Regularity–Associations with cardiometabolic health at midlife in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Doctoral candidate
Master of Health Sciences Laura Nauha
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Population Health
Subject of study
Doctoral degree programme in medicine
Opponent
Docent Timo Rantalainen, University of Jyväskylä
Custos
Professor Raija Korpelainen, University of Oulu/Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Department of Sports, and Exercise Medicine
Chronotype, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep regularity–Associations with cardiometabolic health at midlife
The role of individual’s internal circadian rhythm is evident in behavior, the timing of alertness, and bedtime preferences. People can be categorized into morning, day, and evening chronotypes based on their internal circadian rhythms. Previous studies have associated the evening chronotype and irregular sleep rhythm with health risks such as vulnerability to poor lifestyle choices and association to poorer cardiovascular health. This dissertation examined the association between chronotype and physical activity and sedentary time at midlife. It also investigated the association of irregular sleep rhythm with participants’ blood pressure, measures of adiposity, and levels of blood glucose, insulin, and cholesterol levels.
The study utilized data collected from 5,156 individuals born in 1966 in Northern Finland, at the age of 46. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured with a wrist-worn activity monitor over two weeks. Variability in sleep rhythm was measured from the activity data using a reliable algorithm developed for the study. Participants completed health and lifestyle questionnaires, and their blood pressure, blood lipid, glucose, and insulin levels were measured.
Based on the study results, middle-aged evening types engage in less physical activity and spend more time in sedentary behavior compared to morning types. Additionally, sleep rhythm irregularities were associated with poorer cardiometabolic health, which is particularly evident in increased waist circumference. The study also showed that physical activity can help mitigate the health risks associated with having an irregular sleep rhythm.
The study underscores the importance of a regular sleep rhythm and physical activity in maintaining cardiovascular health in middle-aged individuals. The use of activity monitors can be beneficial for monitoring physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep rhythm, as well as for planning preventive lifestyle guidance.
The study utilized data collected from 5,156 individuals born in 1966 in Northern Finland, at the age of 46. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured with a wrist-worn activity monitor over two weeks. Variability in sleep rhythm was measured from the activity data using a reliable algorithm developed for the study. Participants completed health and lifestyle questionnaires, and their blood pressure, blood lipid, glucose, and insulin levels were measured.
Based on the study results, middle-aged evening types engage in less physical activity and spend more time in sedentary behavior compared to morning types. Additionally, sleep rhythm irregularities were associated with poorer cardiometabolic health, which is particularly evident in increased waist circumference. The study also showed that physical activity can help mitigate the health risks associated with having an irregular sleep rhythm.
The study underscores the importance of a regular sleep rhythm and physical activity in maintaining cardiovascular health in middle-aged individuals. The use of activity monitors can be beneficial for monitoring physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep rhythm, as well as for planning preventive lifestyle guidance.
Last updated: 3.6.2024