OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematize the studies that examined the relationship between sleep problems, functional performance and falls in community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: We performed a literature review in English from 21 to 30 September 2009, using the key words: "sleep" AND "falls" AND "functional performance" AND "elderly". We used the databases PubMed, Ageline and Scielo. Inclusion criteria were: articles published from January 2006 to September 2009; full texts; cross-sectional design, retrospective, prospective; studies performed with community-dwelling elderly. RESULTS: We found 52 studies, of which 10 were assessed by the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Studies show that sleep problems may worsen the functional performance, as well as be an independent factor for falls in community-dwelling elderly.
Aged; Health of the Elderly; Accidental Falls; Sleep Deprivation; Sleep Disorders; Employee Performance Appraisal
