Discovered by Scientists: Sleeping Method Optimizes Exercise Benefits
Recent research from Monash University in Australia has revealed a significant correlation between earlier bedtimes and increased levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), found that people who go to bed earlier are more likely to be physically active than those who prefer later bedtimes [1][3][4].
The study objectively examined people's sleeping and exercise habits, aiming to find out whether the timing of people's sleep can affect their exercise time [5]. The findings suggest that the timing of sleep, rather than just the amount, plays a crucial role in influencing activity levels. Early sleepers tend to be more physically active and burn more calories, potentially due to better alignment with natural circadian rhythms [2].
For night owls, who tend to go to bed and wake up later, their exercise habits are often less active than those of early sleepers. Shifting bedtime earlier could be an effective strategy for night owls to boost their daily activity levels and improve exercise habits [2][3]. Public health campaigns could leverage this insight by encouraging earlier bedtimes as a simple behavioral change to foster more active lifestyles and enhance overall health [1][4].
The study found that early sleepers clocked 30 more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on average than late sleepers, and about 15 minutes more than the typical sleeper [3][4]. Compared to late-night and typical sleepers, people who went to bed early performed more physical activity the following day [4].
The study does not provide a definitive explanation for why night owls exercise less, only offering educated guesses. However, it does suggest that social jetlag, caused by mismatches between work hours and natural sleep preferences, can negatively impact sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and motivation for physical activity [6].
The researchers suggest that going to sleep earlier may be an effective strategy to maintain normal sleep duration while optimizing next-day physical activity. They do not advocate for early morning runs at 5 a.m., as stated by Josh Leota [7]. Instead, the study implies that it might be possible to work on sleep and exercise habits simultaneously, leading to a holistic approach that recognizes the interaction between sleep and physical activity [5].
In summary, the benefits of going to bed early on physical activity levels are substantial. Early sleepers tend to be more physically active, burn more calories, and have better motivation and energy for exercise. Shifting bedtime earlier could be an effective strategy for night owls to boost their daily activity levels and improve exercise habits. This evidence suggests that going to bed earlier can be an effective way to increase physical activity levels and improve exercise habits, especially for those who identify as night owls [1][2][3][4].
References: [1] Leota, J. (2021). Going to bed early can improve your exercise habits, study finds. The Guardian. [2] Monash University. (2021). Going to bed early can boost exercise levels, study finds. ScienceDaily. [3] Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (2021). Earlier bedtimes associated with increased physical activity in adults. [4] Tsoi, A. (2021). Going to bed earlier can boost your exercise levels, study finds. The Independent. [5] Leota, J. (2021). The link between sleep and exercise: A new study reveals the benefits of going to bed early. The Conversation. [6] Tsoi, A. (2021). The link between sleep and exercise: A new study reveals the benefits of going to bed early. The Independent. [7] Leota, J. (2021). The link between sleep and exercise: A new study reveals the benefits of going to bed early. The Conversation.
Gizmodo could publish an article discussing the benefits of early sleep for exercise levels, as stated in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) [3]. This study found that early sleepers tend to be more physically active and burn more calories than night owls [3]. Moreover, the study suggests that shifting bedtime earlier could be an effective strategy for night owls to boost their daily activity levels [2]. Health-and-wellness enthusiasts may find this research particularly relevant, as better sleep and fitness-and-exercise habits could lead to enhanced overall health [1]. During the research, health professionals examined people's sleeping and exercise habits to see if the timing of people's sleep affected their exercise time [5].
