United Kingdom: A new study conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) has revealed that middle-aged individuals who don’t get enough sleep are less likely to reap the cognitive benefits of exercise. The study, published in the Lancet Healthy Longevity journal, highlights the importance of sufficient sleep in protecting against cognitive decline as people age.

The research team analyzed data from nearly 9,000 individuals aged 50 and above who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Over a period of 10 years, the participants’ cognitive function was assessed through memory and verbal fluency tests. Questionnaires were used to gather information on participants’ sleep duration (less or more than six hours) and physical activity levels.

The findings showed that middle-aged individuals in their 50s and 60s who engaged in regular physical activity but slept less than six hours per night experienced a faster decline in cognitive skills, including attention, memory, and learning. After a decade, their cognitive function was on par with those who engaged in less physical activity.

Lead author Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg from UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care emphasized the importance of considering sleep and physical activity together for cognitive health. The study suggests that adequate sleep is necessary to fully benefit from physical exercise in terms of cognitive health.

Interestingly, while more physically active individuals had better cognitive function initially, this advantage diminished over the 10-year period for short sleepers in their 50s and 60s. However, the cognitive benefits of exercise were still maintained for individuals aged 70 and above, despite inadequate sleep.

Co-author Prof. Andrew Steptoe, also from UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, stressed the need to identify factors that protect cognitive function in middle and later life. He highlighted that interventions promoting cognitive health should consider both physical activity and sleep habits.

The study’s findings provide valuable insights for promoting cognitive well-being as individuals age and underline the significance of a balanced approach that includes adequate sleep and regular exercise.

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