Middle-Aged Women + More Exercise = Better Sleep

A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports looked at the relationship between sedentary behavior and sleep quality.

Based out of the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Nomi, Japan, the researchers examined data from 683 adults aged 40 to 64 living in Japan. The average daily time spent sedentary, performing light physical activity, and in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were measured using accelerometers.

Participants were then asked to replace 60 minutes of their sedentary time with either light physical activity or moderate-to-vigorous activity for a period of seven days. Questionnaires collected data on sleep quality measures and participants self-reported their sleep quality again after the trial period.

For each hour of sedentary behavior or light physical activity replaced with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, there was an associated improvement in sleep quality among women. No significant associations between physical activity and sleep were found in men.

These results suggest that if middle-aged women replace sedentary behavior with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, they may achieve better quality sleep, which potentially could help them achieve the recommended levels of sleep suggested for optimal health.