Sleep Quality Key to Boosting Daily Activity, Study Finds

A recent study conducted by researchers at Flinders University has revealed that most individuals struggle to meet the recommended targets for both sleep and physical activity. The research, which analyzed more than 28 million days of health data from over 70,000 people globally, indicates that enhancing sleep quality may play a crucial role in increasing daily activity levels. Results were published in the journal Communications Medicine.

The findings highlight a concerning trend: fewer than 13% of study participants consistently achieved the suggested benchmarks of seven to nine hours of sleep and at least 8,000 steps per day. Alarmingly, nearly 17% of participants averaged less than seven hours of sleep and fewer than 5,000 steps daily, a combination associated with heightened risks of chronic diseases, weight gain, and mental health issues.

Insights on Sleep and Activity Levels

Lead author Josh Fitton, a Ph.D. candidate at Flinders University, noted that the study’s results suggest a stronger relationship between sleep quality and the following day’s physical activity rather than the other way around. “We found that getting a good night’s sleep—especially high-quality sleep—sets you up for a more active day,” Fitton stated. “People who slept well tended to move more the following day, but doing extra steps didn’t really improve sleep that night.”

Interestingly, the research revealed that the optimal amount of sleep for enhancing next-day activity was around six to seven hours per night. “Our data showed that sleeping around six to seven hours per night was linked to the highest step counts the next day,” Fitton added. He emphasized the importance of sleep efficiency, indicating that those who spent less time tossing and turning were generally more active.

Reevaluating Health Guidelines

The implications of this study challenge the practicality of current health recommendations. Fitton remarked, “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.” He emphasized the need for a reevaluation of how these guidelines can be realistically integrated into daily life.

Senior author Professor Danny Eckert also stressed the importance of prioritizing sleep, especially for individuals juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. “Prioritizing sleep could be the most effective way to boost your energy, motivation, and capacity for movement,” he explained. Professor Eckert suggested simple changes to improve sleep quality, such as reducing screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a calming sleep environment.

“Our research shows that sleep is not just a passive state; it’s an active contributor to your ability to live a healthy, active life,” he concluded. The study’s findings serve as a call to action for individuals seeking to enhance their well-being through improved sleep practices.

For more detailed findings, refer to the article “Bidirectional associations between sleep and physical activity investigated using large-scale objective monitoring data” published in Communications Medicine in 2025.