Being physically active enhances body and mind health. However, a 10 year study by the University College London (UCL) has determined that failing to get enough sleep may diminish the benefits of regular exercise.
The study was published in The Lancet Healthy Living. Researchers found that people who exercised more, but slept less than six hours had a cognitive decline equal to those who exercised less but slept more.
Combining six to eight hours of sleep with higher levels of physical activity are optimum for better brain function, according to the report.
“Our study suggests that getting sufficient sleep may be required for us to get the full cognitive benefits of physical activity,” said Lead author Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg. “It shows how important it is to consider sleep and physical activity together when thinking about cognitive health.”
The UCL research examined the cognitive function of 8,958 people over 50 in England over a 10 year period.
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
In addition to accelerating cognitive decline, a lack of sleep can be financially costly.
Annually, the United States economy loses up to $411 billion due to insufficient sleep, according to Danish light tech company LYS. That equals 1.23 working days of productivity.
Medical institutions and researchers recommend similar strategies for getting a restful night’s sleep. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers five tips:
- Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature
- Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime
- Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer chronic sleep disorders, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). In addition, 40 percent of adults report falling asleep during the day without meaning to.
Tech Growth
The prevalence of sleep problems is resulting in an upswing in the sleep device market.
Sales of sleep tech products reached almost $18 billion last year, according to research firm Global Market Insights (GMI). Further, the sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18.2 percent between now and 2032. As a result, GMI expects the market to top $95 billion in the next decade.
Where to Invest
Many EFTs and mutual funds invest in companies with a sleep technology component. In addition, more companies are entering the market.
The wearables segment of sleep tech is expected to top $65 billion by 2032, says GMI. Some companies active in the wearable market include Garmin (GRMN) and Apple (AAPL).
CPAP manufacturing is a big part of the wearables market. In December, leaders in the field include Inspire Medical Systems (INSP), ResMed (RMD).
In addition to new devices, the old school technology of developing a good mattress is strong. Leading the field here are companies such as Tempur Sealy (TPX) and SleepNumber (SNBR).
Read More:
- Caffeine May Impact Gut Health Unexpected Discovery Finds
- Regular Internet Use May Ward Off Dementia According to Study
- Amniotic Fluid Eye Drops Untested Warns FDA
- Choosing a Bed: Sleep Number vs Tempurpedic
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Max K. Erkiletian began writing for newspapers while still in high school. He went on to become an award-winning journalist and co-founder of the print magazine Free Bird. He has written for a wide range of regional and national publications as well as many on-line publications. That has afforded him the opportunity to interview a variety of prominent figures from former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank Paul Volker to Blues musicians Muddy Waters and B. B. King. Max lives in Springfield, MO with his wife Karen and their cat – Pudge. He spends as much time as possible with his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
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