Lack of sleep lessens cognitive benefits of physical activity

Regular physical activity may help protect against cognitive decline in older adults, but this benefit may be compromised if individuals do not get enough sleep, as per a study by UCL researchers. The research, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, followed 8,958 individuals aged 50 and over in England for 10 years, examining the relationship between sleep, physical activity, and cognitive function. Participants who were physically active but had short sleep durations (less than six hours) experienced faster cognitive decline compared to those who engaged in less physical activity. The study underscores the importance of considering both sleep and physical activity in maintaining cognitive health as we age.