Overview
- Researchers analyzed more than 28 million days of data from over 70,000 participants and published the findings in Communications Medicine.
- Fewer than 13% of people consistently met recommended sleep and activity targets, commonly seven to nine hours of sleep and at least 8,000 daily steps.
- About 17% averaged under seven hours of sleep and fewer than 5,000 steps, a combination associated with elevated health risks.
- Sleep quality and duration predicted greater movement the following day, while taking more steps did little to improve that night's sleep.
- Six to seven hours of sleep was linked to the highest next-day step counts, and the authors recommend prioritizing sleep using simple habits like consistent bedtimes and reduced screens before bed.