New research tracking nearly 71,000 people over three years shows only 12.9% achieve both recommended sleep and daily step targets. Australian researchers from Flinders University analyzed 28 million person-days of data from wearable devices. The study found sleep affects next-day activity more than exercise impacts sleep quality. People with 94% sleep efficiency walked 282 more steps than those at 83% efficiency. Taking 37 minutes to fall asleep meant 209 fewer steps the next day compared to falling asleep within 15 minutes. Nearly 17% fell into a high-risk zone with both short sleep and sedentary lifestyles. Lead author Dr. Josh Fitton’s team discovered that walking 8,751 steps versus 3,090 steps made virtually no difference in sleep quality that night. The research suggests sleep-focused interventions may be more effective for boosting physical activity than exercise programs are for improving sleep. (Story URL)
PHONE TOPIC: Would you rather get great sleep or be in great shape?