A recent study led by researchers at Flinders University has revealed that fewer than 13% of people globally consistently meet recommended sleep and physical activity targets. The research, published in Communications Medicine, analyzed over 28 million days of health data from more than 70,000 people worldwide. The findings suggest that improving sleep quality could be vital for enhancing daily physical activity levels.
The study examined data collected over three and a half years from consumer health devices that monitored nightly sleep and daily steps. Alarmingly, nearly 17% of participants averaged less than seven hours of sleep per night and fewer than 5,000 steps each day. This combination has been linked to heightened risks of chronic diseases, weight gain, and mental health challenges.
Sleep Quality Drives Daily Activity
Lead author Josh Fitton, a Ph.D. candidate at FHMRI Sleep Health, emphasized the critical relationship between sleep and physical activity. “We found that getting a good night’s sleep—especially high-quality sleep—sets you up for a more active day,” Fitton stated. He noted that individuals who slept well tended to engage in more physical activity the following day. Interestingly, the study found that additional daily steps did not significantly enhance sleep quality that night.
The research highlighted that the optimal amount of sleep for promoting next-day activity was not the longest duration but rather a range of six to seven hours. “Our data showed that sleeping around six to seven hours per night was linked to the highest step counts the next day,” Fitton explained. He cautioned, however, that this does not mean individuals should reduce their sleep, as sleep quality remains paramount. Those who slept efficiently, with less time spent tossing and turning, were consistently more active.
Rethinking Health Guidelines
These findings raise important questions regarding the practicality of current health guidelines. Fitton pointed out that “only a tiny fraction of people can achieve both recommended sleep and activity levels every day,” underscoring the need for a more realistic approach to health recommendations. He suggested that it may be necessary to rethink how these guidelines work together to better support individuals in leading healthier lifestyles.
Senior author Professor Danny Eckert added that for individuals balancing work, family, and other obligations, prioritizing sleep could be a key step towards a healthier, more active life. “Prioritizing sleep could be the most effective way to boost your energy, motivation, and capacity for movement,” he noted.
Eckert recommended simple changes such as reducing screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent bedtime, and creating a calming sleep environment to significantly improve sleep quality. “Our research shows that sleep is not just a passive state; it’s an active contributor to your ability to live a healthy, active life.”
This study underscores the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of sleep and physical activity. As health organizations continue to promote the benefits of both, these findings may help shape future guidelines that are more achievable for the general population.
