Physical activity and sleep are essential for human health, and some evidence suggests they work synergistically to promote mental and physical wellness. A recent study found that physical activity improves aspects of sleep, reducing stress levels and improving mood.
Researchers used wearable sensors and smartphone tracking to monitor heart rates, sleep, activity levels, and mood in 82 healthy adults over six months. They found that people who engaged in low-, moderate-, or vigorous-intensity exercise tended to have more NREM (deep, slow-wave) sleep and less REM (dream) sleep than non-exercisers. They also tended to enter REM sleep sooner. These changes in sleep patterns correlated with better mood, higher energy levels, less stress, and an enhanced perception of having restful sleep.
These findings support a growing body of evidence suggesting that physical activity and sleep are intrinsically linked. They also highlight the emerging role of wearable technology as a valuable tool in sleep research.
Wearable sensors and smartphones allow people to monitor their health, fitness, activity, sleep, or mood. Often simply called “wearables,” these devices can transmit information to a physician, researcher, or user in real time, facilitating data collection and allowing the wearer to actively participate in tracking and maintaining their health. Learn more about wearables in this episode featuring Dr. Michael Snyder.