A recent study conducted by researchers at Flinders University indicates that most individuals struggle to meet the recommended targets for both sleep and physical activity. The findings suggest that prioritizing sleep may be essential for enhancing daily activity levels. The research, published in Communications Medicine, analyzed over 28 million days of health data from more than 70,000 people worldwide.
The study reveals that fewer than 13% of participants consistently achieve the suggested benchmarks of seven to nine hours of sleep coupled with at least 8,000 steps daily. Alarmingly, nearly 17% of those studied averaged less than seven hours of sleep and fewer than 5,000 steps a day. This combination is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, weight gain, and mental health issues.
Sleep Quality Influences Activity Levels
Lead author Josh Fitton, a Ph.D. candidate at FHMRI Sleep Health, emphasizes the study’s key finding: the quality and duration of sleep significantly impact the level of physical activity the following day. “We found that getting a good night’s sleep—especially high-quality sleep—sets you up for a more active day,” Fitton stated.
Interestingly, the research indicates that the ideal sleep duration for promoting next-day activity is around six to seven hours. Fitton explains, “Our data showed that sleeping around six to seven hours per night was linked to the highest step counts the next day. However, quality remains crucial; those who experienced efficient sleep, meaning less time spent tossing and turning, were consistently more active.”
Rethinking Health Guidelines
The findings raise important considerations regarding the practicality of existing health guidelines. Fitton noted, “Only a tiny fraction of people can achieve both recommended sleep and activity levels every day. We need to rethink how these guidelines interact and how we can better support individuals in reaching them.”
Senior author Professor Danny Eckert highlighted the potential benefits of focusing on sleep for those juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. “Prioritizing sleep could be the most effective way to boost your energy, motivation, and capacity for movement,” Eckert stated. He suggested that simple adjustments, such as reducing screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a tranquil sleep environment, can significantly improve sleep quality.
The study’s outcomes underscore the notion that sleep is not merely a passive state but an active contributor to overall health and activity levels.
For further information, refer to the study titled “Bidirectional associations between sleep and physical activity investigated using large-scale objective monitoring data,” published in Communications Medicine in 2025. The DOI is 10.1038/s43856-025-01226-6.
