A recent study from Flinders University has highlighted a concerning trend: fewer than 13% of individuals worldwide manage to meet both recommended sleep and physical activity targets. The research examined health data from over 70,000 participants across more than 28 million monitored days, revealing a direct correlation between sleep quality and levels of daily activity. The study, published in Communications Medicine, suggests that prioritizing sleep could enhance physical activity levels.
The research team meticulously analyzed data collected over three and a half years from consumer health devices that tracked nightly sleep and daily steps. Alarmingly, nearly 17% of participants averaged less than seven hours of sleep and fewer than 5,000 steps each day. This combination is linked to increased risks of chronic diseases, weight gain, and mental health issues.
Link Between Sleep and Activity
Lead author Josh Fitton, a Ph.D. candidate at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Sleep Health, emphasized the findings on the significance of sleep quality. “We found that getting a good night’s sleep—especially high-quality sleep—sets you up for a more active day,” Fitton stated.
The study’s results indicate that participants who enjoyed restful sleep were more likely to engage in physical activity the next day. Interestingly, the analysis showed that sleeping around six to seven hours per night was associated with the highest step counts. Fitton pointed out that while longer sleep durations are beneficial, sleep quality—characterized by less time spent tossing and turning—was crucial for encouraging movement.
Rethinking Health Recommendations
The study’s findings raise important questions about the practicality of existing health guidelines. Fitton noted, “Our findings call into question the real-world compatibility of prominent health recommendations and highlight how difficult it is for most people to have an active lifestyle and sleep well at the same time.”
With only a small fraction of the population achieving both recommended sleep and activity levels, the research advocates for a re-evaluation of health guidelines. Senior author Professor Danny Eckert suggested that for individuals juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, focusing on improving sleep hygiene might be the most effective initial step toward a healthier lifestyle.
“Prioritizing sleep could be the most effective way to boost your energy, motivation, and capacity for movement,” Eckert explained. He recommended simple changes, such as reducing screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a calming sleep environment.
The implications of this research extend beyond individual health, potentially informing public health policies and wellness programs aimed at improving community health outcomes. As the study demonstrates, sleep is not merely a passive state but an essential component of an active, healthy lifestyle.
For more details, the findings can be found in the article titled “Bidirectional associations between sleep and physical activity investigated using large-scale objective monitoring data,” published in Communications Medicine in 2025. The research underscores an essential message: prioritizing quality sleep may be the key to promoting a more active and healthier population.
