Study Finds Exercise Boosts Memory for Up to 24 Hours

Research shows moderate to vigorous physical activity and quality sleep enhance next-day cognitive performance in older adults.

A University College London study found that 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise improves working and episodic memory for up to 24 hours.
Participants aged 50 to 83 who engaged in more physical activity performed better in daily cognitive tests the following day.
Quality sleep, particularly six or more hours and deep slow-wave sleep, further amplified memory and cognitive benefits.
Conversely, increased sedentary behavior was linked to poorer working memory the next day, highlighting the importance of staying active.
The study, involving 76 cognitively healthy adults, suggests that exercise and sleep play independent and complementary roles in maintaining cognitive health.