A study led by University College London (UCL) reveals that the cognitive benefits of exercise can extend into the following day, particularly when complemented by quality deep sleep. The research focused on older adults aged 50 to 83, indicating that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sufficient sleep contributed to improved memory and reaction times. Conducted over eight days with wrist-worn activity trackers, the study found a clear link between higher levels of physical activity and better scores on memory tests the next day. Notably, deep sleep was associated with enhanced memory function, suggesting that both exercise and sleep play crucial roles in cognitive performance. Lead researcher Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg emphasized the importance of regular physical activity as it not only boosts memory in the short term but might also have longer-term implications for cognitive health. While findings from this small-scale study need further validation with larger samples, the insights highlight the necessity of maintaining an active lifestyle for overall brain health. The project’s broader implications stress that identifying factors influencing daily cognitive performance can significantly impact the quality of life and independence in older adults.
