For those who kickstart their day with a bike ride or a brisk walk,the benefits of early morning exercise are well-known. But now,researchers suggest that physical activity could also give a slight boost to memory scores the following day.
In a recent study by University College London, scientists found that 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity, combined with at least six hours of sleep, could contribute to improved cognitive performance the next day. “The key takeaway is that physical activity is beneficial for yoru brain, and good sleep enhances that effect,” said Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg, the study’s lead author.
Previous studies have linked physical activity to short-term improvements in cognitive function and a reduced risk of dementia. Tho, many of these studies were conducted in laboratory settings and primarily focused on the effects measured in minutes to hours. These studies suggested that benefits could be attributed to increased blood flow to the brain and the stimulation of neurotransmitters.
Now, researchers have taken a closer look at the short-term impact of physical activity in real-life scenarios, finding not only cognitive benefits but also evidence that these effects last longer than previously thought.
the study,published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity,involved 76 adults aged 50-83 who did not have cognitive impairment or dementia. Participants wore an accelerometer for eight days to track their sleep and physical activity as they went about their daily lives. Each day, they were also given online cognitive tests to assess their attention, memory, and processing speed.
The results revealed that each 30-minute increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity on the previous day was associated with a 2-5% increase in episodic and working memory scores the next day, although only the latter remained meaningful after considering participants’ sleep data.
While it’s arduous to determine weather this corresponds to a clinically significant difference for participants, Bloomberg noted that the next step is to conduct similar research in people with cognitive impairments.”For individuals with mild cognitive impairment, even a minor boost in cognitive performance on a day-to-day basis can make a significant difference,” she said.
The study’s findings reinforce the importance of physical activity and good sleep for maintaining cognitive health. As researchers continue to explore the long-term effects of exercise on the brain, the message remains clear: staying active and getting enough rest can have lasting benefits for your mental well-being.
Discover the captivating link between physical activity, sleep, and cognitive function in a groundbreaking study that’s turning heads in the world of health and wellness. Researchers have uncovered how daily exercise and adequate sleep can significantly boost memory and cognitive skills, offering valuable insights for maintaining brain health as we age.
According to the study, each 30-minute increase in sedentary behavior was associated with a slight decline in working memory scores the following day.However, the way sedentary time is spent could play a crucial role in this correlation. Conversely, participants who enjoyed at least six hours of sleep per night demonstrated higher scores in episodic memory, attention, and physical response speed the next day, even after accounting for levels of physical activity.
While the study’s findings are promising, it’s important to note that the participants had high levels of education, excellent health, and engaged in high levels of everyday physical activity. This may limit the generalizability of the results to the broader population.
Lead researcher, Dr. Bloomberg,emphasized that the exact mechanism behind the impact of exercise on memory remains unclear. While benefits from neurotransmitters are thought to last for a few hours, long-term benefits of exercise on the brain may be driven by different mechanisms.
The study’s findings align with a growing focus on protecting brain health as we age. “We all experience cognitive decline as we get older, it’s a normal part of aging,” Bloomberg said. “So that’s the age group where we start to think: what are these little things we can do on a day-to-day basis to improve our cognitive function and our independence and social participation?”
As the population ages, the importance of maintaining cognitive function becomes increasingly evident. This study offers valuable insights into how simple lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and sufficient sleep, can contribute to better brain health and overall well-being.
For more facts on brain health and tips for maintaining cognitive function, visit The Guardian’s guide to brain health.
