The effects of physical activity and sleep quality on cognitive abilities were evaluated
Low physical activity and suboptimal sleep quality were found to be independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. Insufficient sleep duration was associated with accelerated development of cognitive impairment.Researchers from University College London assessed the impact of physical activity and sleep quality on cognitive abilities. The results of the study were published by The Lancet.
Initially, among participants with high physical activity and optimal sleep quality, cognitive performance was higher compared to less physically active people, regardless of sleep quality. Cognitive performance was comparable across all participants with high physical activity at baseline, regardless of sleep quality.
However, at follow-up, people who were active but not getting enough sleep had a higher rate of cognitive decline than participants with high physical activity and optimal sleep duration. The cognitive abilities of patients with high physical activity and inadequate sleep duration after ten years of follow-up were similar to participants who led inactive lifestyles regardless of sleep quality.
They analyzed data from more than 8,000 adults without dementia or cognitive impairment aged 50 years or older, collected from 2008 to 2019. The average follow-up time was ten years. Participants completed questionnaires noting physical activity and sleep duration at the beginning of the study. Physical activity was measured in terms of exercise frequency and intensity. Also, all participants performed tests to assess memory.
The researchers concluded that physical activity plays an important role in maintaining cognitive health throughout life. For best results, physical activity should be combined with regular and adequate sleep. Therefore, there is a need for guidelines that take into account both physical activity and sleep quality to improve cognitive performance and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.