The risk of death from any cause was lower among those who exercised regularly even with poor sleep quality
Being physically active helps, at least in part, offset the damage caused by poor sleep, according to newly published research. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. According to the authors, this is one of the first studies to evaluate the combined effects of physical activity and sleep quality using an accelerometer, a type of sensor-equipped watch to assess exercise level.
It is known that sleeping for too short periods or too much – less than 6 hours or more than 9 hours – is associated with a higher risk of various diseases, cardiovascular problems and even dementia. On the other hand, physical activity helps prevent and control metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and other diseases.
The study assessed more than 90,000 patients, ages 40 to 73, who were categorized according to their level of physical activity (whether they followed the recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) and whether or not they slept. little (less than 6 hours), normal (between 6 and 8 hours) or a lot (more than 8 hours).
Less risk
Those who exercised as much as recommended and slept well had the best results with the lowest risk of death from any cause. The worst rates were observed among those with poor sleep quality who were sedentary, with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease by 52%. Surprisingly, these risks disappeared for those who exercised as recommended, even if they slept poorly.
“The study provides further evidence that physical activity is also able to reduce, and perhaps even avert, the negative consequences of not having a good sleep pattern,” says physiotherapist Carolina Vicaria Rodrigues D´Aurea, of the Israelita Albert Einstein Hospital. According to her, what most people recommend is sleeping between 7 and 8 hours.
In addition, physical activity is also one of the sleep hygiene recommendations to sleep better. The expert adds that better sleep in terms of quality and quantity brings a better quality of life, while reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality from all causes. (Source: Einstein Agency)
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