Study: Lack of sleep reduces cognitive benefits of fitness

Physical activity always good for health. However, lack of sleep in middle age may reduce its benefits. This conclusion was made by scientists from University College London (UCL).

In their research, which lasted for 10 years, involved almost 9,000 people aged 50 and over. All the while, medical professionals have been evaluating how their sleep and physical activity habits affect brain health. Participants were tested using tests of memory, fluency and attention.

It turned out that people who were physically active but slept less than six hours a night experienced a faster decline. cognitive functions. After 10 years of such a lifestyle, in this regard, they did not differ from their less mobile peers.

The study also found that poor sleep has the greatest negative impact on people in their 50s and 60s. After age 70, the benefits of exercise were clear — they helped keep your brain healthy, no matter how much sleep you had.

However, scientists recommend getting enough sleep at any age to get the most out of sports.