Sleep, nighttime oxygen, and risk of falls and fractures in older adults

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

As a patient or caregiver, you would learn whether nighttime breathing problems and low oxygen during sleep are linked to higher chances of falling or breaking a bone. Researchers will analyze data from existing studies and in-home sleep tests to see how sleep quality, oxygen levels, and circadian rhythms relate to falls and fractures over time. The project builds on large studies and uses real-world information to understand how sleep disorders may impact bone and body health in older adults. If a link is found, it could guide strategies to protect bone health and prevent falls.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Cauley, Jane Ann — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Cauley, Jane Ann

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Understanding Sleep, Falls, and Broken Bones in Older Adults

  This research looks at how sleep problems, especially breathing issues during sleep, might lead to falls and broken bones in older men and women.

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• Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain

  This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-9960958

• HIF-driven ways to repair damaged lungs in IPF

  A doctor-researcher is testing how low-oxygen signals (HIF) could help restore healthy lung tissue in people with IPF.

  NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11577275

• Neonatal Brain Injury Protection with New Purine Compounds

  A new medication approach using purine derivatives is being studied to protect newborn brains from injury caused by limited blood flow and oxygen during birth.

  NIH research Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island · Providence, United States · NIH-11541249

• Falls and brain changes in older adults who don’t yet show dementia

  Researchers at Mayo Clinic will study why people over 65 fall, by looking at how brain and body systems work together during walking and thinking tasks.

  NIH research Mayo Clinic Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11464849

• Lighting-centered home changes to prevent falls for people who are visually impaired

  A study will test whether brighter, better-lit homes with fewer glare and clearer hazards reduce falls and help with daily tasks for people with vision loss.

  NIH research University of Miami School of Medicine · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11454974

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.