A recent study led by researchers at Flinders University highlights the significant struggle many face in achieving the recommended targets for both sleep and physical activity. Published in Communications Medicine, the research examined over 28 million days of health data from more than 70,000 individuals worldwide. The findings indicate that less than 13% of participants consistently met the ideal benchmarks for sleep and daily steps.
The study reveals alarming trends in global sleep habits. Many individuals are not only falling short of the suggested seven to nine hours of sleep per night but also failing to engage in at least 8,000 steps daily. Approximately 17% of those studied averaged less than seven hours of sleep and fewer than 5,000 steps, a combination associated with increased risks of chronic diseases, weight gain, and mental health challenges.
Sleep Quality Influences Activity Levels
Lead author Josh Fitton, a Ph.D. candidate at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), emphasizes the critical relationship between sleep and physical activity. “We found that getting a good night’s sleep—especially high-quality sleep—sets you up for a more active day,” he explained. The data suggests that while a good night’s sleep promotes higher levels of activity the following day, increasing physical activity does not necessarily enhance sleep quality that night.
Interestingly, the study discovered that sleeping around six to seven hours per night correlated with the highest step counts the next day. “This doesn’t mean you should reduce sleep duration, as quality is equally important,” Fitton noted. Those who experienced more efficient sleep, characterized by less time spent awake during the night, were notably more active.
Reevaluating Health Guidelines
The findings raise significant concerns regarding the practicality of current health recommendations. “Our research challenges the real-world applicability of these health guidelines and highlights the difficulties many face in balancing activity and sleep,” Fitton stated. He advocates for a rethinking of how these guidelines can be harmonized to support individuals in leading healthier lives.
According to senior author Professor Danny Eckert, prioritizing sleep may be a key strategy for those managing work, family, and other responsibilities. “Focusing on sleep could be the most effective way to boost your energy, motivation, and capacity for movement,” Professor Eckert asserted. He suggests simple lifestyle changes such as reducing screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a calming sleep environment to enhance sleep quality.
“Our research indicates that sleep is not merely a passive state; it plays an active role in enabling a healthy, active lifestyle,” he added.
The study serves as a vital reminder of the interconnectedness of sleep and physical activity, urging individuals and health professionals alike to consider sleep as a foundational element of health and well-being. The implications of these findings could reshape public health approaches to encourage better sleep practices alongside physical activity.
For further details, 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.
