Youth with concussion may benefit from monitoring sleep and limiting daytime naps

  Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have found that when it comes to concussion recovery, sleep matters. In a study published today in British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that limiting daytime sleep and getting approximately seven hours of sleep each night in the first week after a concussion may speed up recovery.

“Youth who sleep more during the day or who sleep too much or too little each day may be at risk for slower concussion symptom resolution,” said lead author Jingzhen Ginger Yang, PhD, MPH, principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s. “Good sleep hygiene, including limiting daytime sleep/naps and instead focusing on getting enough sleep at night, could help speed concussion recovery.”

This new study, conducted by experts in Nationwide Children’s Center for Injury Research and Policy, division of Sports Medicine, and Center for Biobehavioral Health, evaluated sleep quantity and quality in the first week after a concussion and explored the associations between sleep measures and concussion recovery in youth. 

While some research on pediatric concussion has relied on self-reported sleep duration, this study used a wearable device to objectively measure sleep quantity (time in bed, total sleep time, and daytime sleep) and quality (sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, and number of awakenings) during the first week post-injury among youth aged 11-17 years with a physician-diagnosed concussion. This method captures total sleep time rather than just time in bed, providing a more accurate measurement of sleep duration.

“We know sleep is an important part of concussion recovery, yet youth often experience sleep disturbances during this period,” said Amy Valasek, MD, MS, sports medicine physician at Nationwide Children's and co-author of the study. “This study showed that youth with concussion may benefit from monitoring sleep quality. Clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal timing, duration, and quality of sleep that support concussion recovery among youth.”

The relationship between sleep quantity and post-concussion symptom score is bidirectional during the first week post-injury, highlighting the importance of objectively measured sleep in this area of research. “It is vital for clinicians to actively engage in counseling pediatric patients and provide guidance on appropriate sleep hygiene to aid in concussion recovery among youth,” said Dr. Valasek.

This study has several important clinical implications:

• The appropriate amount of total sleep time during the first week post-concussion, neither too much nor too little, could hasten timelines for recovery. 
• Pediatricians should promote good sleep hygiene among youth immediately after concussion, including limiting daytime sleep/naps to help speed recovery. 
• Youth with concussion may benefit from monitoring sleep quantity and quality acutely postinjury using a wearable device to aid in recovery. 
• Clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal timing, duration, and quality of sleep that support concussion recovery among youth.

Families should collaborate with their child’s care team to develop a plan based on injury severity and recovery milestones.

It’s inot important to eat animal products to get adequate protein

 Nearly 9 out of 10 U.S. adults wrongly believe that it’s important to eat meat, dairy products, eggs, or other animal products to get adequate protein, according to a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult survey. Women and Gen Z adults were among those most likely to disagree with the erroneous notion. 

The poll included 2,203 U.S. adults surveyed Jan. 22 to Jan. 23, 2025. At the same time, when asked if it’s possible to build muscle on a plant-based diet, over half of respondents accurately said it is with 22% disagreeing and 21% saying they don’t know.

Roxanne Becker, MBChB, DipIBLM, with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a health advocacy group with 17,000 physician members, says the mixed responses shows some consumers still lack clarity on the multitude of benefits of a plant-based diet. “Plant protein has been shown in randomized controlled trials to be as effective as animal protein for building muscle when the amounts of protein are equal,” Dr. Becker said, “And it and it is full of nutrients and fiber unlike animal-based protein sources.”

Research supports this, including:

•A meta-analysis of 13 clinical trials involving older adults that showed plant protein was equally as effective as animal protein for maintaining/building strength and lean muscle mass.

•A study of men who ate either a vegan diet or an omnivorous diet that found no differences in strength or muscle mass gains over 12 weeks when coupled with a strength-training program.

•A new Harvard study that shows women who ate more plant protein in midlife increased their odds of aging healthily.

•A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association that found replacing animal protein with plant protein improves cholesterol levels.

How much protein do people really need every day? The minimum amount an adult needs to support their body's functioning is 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. For a 155-pound man and a 128-pound woman, that is 56 and 46 grams per day, respectively. However, for people who weigh more or are more active, more protein is needed.

For those who strength train regularly, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American College of Sports Medicine suggests  0.54 to 0.91 grams of protein per pound of body weight to help build muscle. This would be 84 to 141 grams for a 155-pound man, and 69 to 116 grams for a 128-pound woman.

“As we age,” Dr. Becker said, “it’s important to consume enough protein to maintain our muscle mass so we can avoid frailty. Plant protein sources, which contain no artery-clogging cholesterol and are low in saturated fat, should be the go-to.”

Xavier Toledo, a registered dietitian with the Physicians Committee, offered an example of a day of plant-based eating that meets protein requirements.

Breakfast: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie (~37g)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk (12 grams)
2 tablespoons peanut butter (8 grams) or 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder (6 grams)
3 tablespoons hemp seeds (10 grams)
1 medium frozen banana (1 gram)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Lunch: Burrito Bowl (~34g)
1 cup cooked brown rice (5 grams)
1/2 cup black beans black beans (8 grams)
1/4 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP), seasoned with taco spices (13 grams)
1/2 cup corn (2 grams)
1/2 avocado, sliced (1 gram)
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (< 1 gram)
1/4 cup salsa (< 1 gram)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy boost) (5 grams)
Cilantro for garnish

Dinner: Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry With Noodles (~36g)
1/2 block (4 ounces) extra-firm tofu, cubed (18 grams)
2 ounces soba buckwheat and brown rice noodles (6 grams)
1/2 cup edamame (shelled) (8.5 grams)
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (1 gram)
1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced (< 1 gram)
1/2 cup bok choy, chopped (< 1 gram)
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for umami flavor) (2.5 grams)

Total: ~107 grams of protein

“Unlike animal-based protein, these foods contain zero cholesterol and tend to be low in saturated fat, making them a smart choice for long-term health,” Toledo said. “And the best part? Getting enough protein is as easy as enjoying meals you already know and love.”

HPV virusvirus more common among men than women, associated with rising rates of other cancers

 While the human papillomavirus (HPV) is most associated with cervical cancer risk and women, a new survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) shows that the majority of people are unaware that the virus is actually more common among men than women and is associated with rising rates of other cancers that directly impact men.

The consumer survey sought to understand the public’s knowledge of the lesser known but common virus – specifically how it is spread and its impact on cancer risk. 

Survey results were clear: most respondents didn’t know much about HPV and its long-term cancer risk, and they have misperceptions of how the infection is spread. That lack of knowledge, says Electra Paskett, PhD, a cancer control researcher at the OSUCCC – James, leaves many people at unnecessary risk for preventable cancers.

“We have a vaccine that has been shown to reduce the risk of HPV infection by up to 90%,” said Paskett. “This is a powerful tool for cancer prevention that has only been available to us in the past few decades, and we are seeing the impact of those vaccines now through the scientific data.”

Debunking myths about HPV

For this survey, respondents were asked if they agree or disagree with some basic statements about HPV to gauge public knowledge. Survey results showed that many people think this is an infection that impacts women more than men.

“This is concerning because more men are infected with HPV than women and they could unknowingly spread it to their partners,” said Paskett, who also serves as Marion N. Rowley Professor of Cancer Research and professor in The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Specific results from the survey include:

• Nearly half of respondents (45%) did not know if HPV was linked to cancers beyond cervical. FACT: It is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer but is also linked to rising rates of cancers that affect the tonsils, base of tongue, throat, neck, esophagus, anus and genitals according to peer-reviewed scientific data.
• 42% believed HPV was more common in women. FACT: HPV is more common in men, but because there is only a test for women, people mistakenly think HPV only affects women, according to the CDC.
• 40% believed that if you are infected with HPV, you will have symptoms. FACT: Many do not have symptoms until after they have cancer.

Power of prevention

Paskett noted that while the HPV vaccine is recommended between the ages of 9 and 12 for maximum effectiveness (prior to potential HPV exposure), it is now available to adults up until age 45.

Although the vaccine has been available since 2006, the lack of awareness that it can prevent cancer later in life has slowed progress in preventing these cancers. The CDC estimates that timely HPV vaccination could prevent 90% of cervical cancers alone, and only about half (56.9%) of children who qualify for the vaccine have received it. Among them, more girls and women are being vaccinated than boys and men.

HPV-related oropharyngeal (tonsil and tongue base) cancer cases rising rapidly

Right now, about 42 million people are infected with HPV, and most Americans (98%) have been exposed. The virus spreads through sexual contact (saliva or ejaculatory fluids) and can spread through childbirth. If the immune system can’t kill the virus, however, the cells can change into cancer. 

OSUCCC – James head and neck surgeon Matthew Old, MD, cites concerns about rapidly rising rates of HPV-related oropharyngeal (tonsil and tongue base) cancers, noting that if this trend continues, they could quickly be among the most common forms of cancer in adults between the ages of 45 and 65.

Recent estimates suggest that oropharyngeal cancer may become one of the top three cancers among middle-aged men in the United States by 2045, and the most common form of cancer among elderly men in the next 10 years.

“It can take years or even decades for the genetic changes caused by HPV to take effect and transform into cancer,” said Old “Once exposed, there are currently no treatments for HPV infections, and many who are unvaccinated unknowingly carry and spread high-risk strains of the virus. That’s why vaccination is so important.”

To learn more about treatment and research at the OSUCCC – James, visit cancer.osu.edu or call 1-800-293-5066.

Survey Methodology 
This study was conducted by SSRS on its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a national, twice-per-month, probability-based survey. Data collection was conducted from February 7-9, 2025, among a sample of 1,005 respondents. The survey was conducted via web (n=975) and telephone (n=30) and administered in English. The margin of error for total respondents is +/-3.8 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus data are weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adults ages 18 or older.

Resistance exercise may be best type for tackling insomnia in older age

 Resistance or muscle strengthening exercise, using weights or the body itself, may be the best type of exercise for tackling insomnia in older age, suggests a pooled data analysis of the available research, published in the open access journal Family Medicine and Community Health.

Aerobic exercise or a mix of strength, aerobic, balance, and flexibility exercises also seem to be effective, the analysis indicates.

Sleep quality tends to decline with age. And up to 1 in five older adults has insomnia, say the researchers. Poor quality sleep is not only linked to a range of serious health problems and cognitive impairment, but it also increases the likelihood of workplace underperformance and absenteeism, they add.

Previously published research suggests that exercise helps to alleviate the symptoms of insomnia, but it’s not clear which type of exercise might be most helpful.

In a bid to find out, the researchers scoured research databases for relevant clinical trials, published up to October 2022 that compared physical exercise with routine activities, usual care, other non-physical activity, or health education in people formally diagnosed with insomnia, using The Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (GPSQI). 

The types of exercise covered by the studies included: aerobic, such as cycling, dancing, swimming, brisk walking, and gardening; resistance, such as using weights, push-ups, and planks; balance, such as step-ups, heel to toe walking; flexibility, such as gymnastics, yoga, and Pilates; and combination exercise encompassing a mix. 

Twenty four studies, involving 2045 adults aged at least 60 (average 70), were included in the pooled data analysis. Most were carried out in Asia (56%), North America (16%), South America (16%), and Europe (12%). One in five were carried out in nursing homes. 

Over half of the reported exercise intensity was mild to moderate and moderate, with average length of a session just over 50 minutes, and frequency around 2 to 3 times a week. On average, the exercise programmes lasted 14 weeks.

The pooled data analysis included only studies looking at combination exercise and aerobic exercise, because there weren’t enough studies covering the other exercise types.

This analysis showed that combined exercise significantly improved the GPSQI by 2.35 points while aerobic activity improved it by 4.35 points. 

When the data were pooled using a network meta analysis–a statistical method that looks at several different ‘treatments’ and combines both direct and indirect effects—strength/resistance exercise was the most effective, improving the GPSQI by 5.75 points.

Aerobic exercise improved the GPQSI by 3.76 points, while combination exercise improved it by 2.54.

Of the comparators, sleep education was the most effective, although what this entailed wasn’t clearly defined in the included studies, and it still wasn’t as good as muscle strengthening/resistance exercise, the analysis showed.

The researchers caution that the design and methodology of the included studies varied considerably, and only a few looked at particular types of exercise. Several didn’t include any information on exercise intensity either. 

Some exercises may prove challenging for older people because of restricted physical capabilities, suggest the researchers. But they nevertheless conclude that: “Exercise, particularly strengthening exercise and aerobic exercise, is beneficial for enhancing subjective sleep quality at a clinically significant level compared with normal activities.”

---

Tattoos may be linked to an increased risk of cancer

 People often put a lot of thought into getting a tattoo. But there's one thing most people forget to think about—what impact the tattoo might have on their health in the long run. What happens to the ink once it's in your skin? Does it all stay in the skin where it's visible, or does it travel further into the body?

Research has shown that tattoo ink does not just remain where it is injected. Particles from the ink can migrate to the lymph nodes, where they accumulate.

Researchers from the Department of Public Health and the Department of Clinical Research at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), together with the University of Helsinki, have investigated whether this could have health consequences. Using data from Danish twin pairs, they found that tattooed individuals are more frequently diagnosed with skin and lymphoma cancers compared to those without tattoos.

Ink particles in the body may affect the immune system

The lymph nodes are a crucial part of the immune system, helping to fight infections and filter harmful substances from the body.

When tattoo ink penetrates the skin, some of it is absorbed into the lymph nodes. The researchers are particularly concerned that tattoo ink may trigger chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes, which over time could lead to abnormal cell growth and an increased risk of cancer.

– We can see that ink particles accumulate in the lymph nodes, and we suspect that the body perceives them as foreign substances, explains Henrik Frederiksen, consultant in haematology at Odense University Hospital and clinical professor at SDU.

– This may mean that the immune system is constantly trying to respond to the ink, and we do not yet know whether this persistent strain could weaken the function of the lymph nodes or have other health consequences.

Studying this link is challenging because cancer can take years to develop. This means that exposure in youth may not lead to illness until decades later, making it difficult to measure a direct effect.

Twin data provides a unique opportunity to study the link

The study is based on data from the Danish Twin Tattoo Cohort, where researchers have information from more than 5,900 Danish twins. By analysing tattoo patterns alongside cancer diagnoses, they found a higher occurrence of both skin and lymphoma cancers in tattooed individuals.

– The unique aspect of our approach is that we can compare twin pairs where one has cancer, but they otherwise share many genetic and environmental factors, says Jacob von Bornemann Hjelmborg, professor of biostatistics at SDU.

– This provides us with a stronger method for investigating whether tattoos themselves may influence cancer risk.

The size of tattoos matters

The results show that the link between tattoos and cancer is most evident in those with large tattoos - defined as bigger than a palm. 

For lymphoma, the rate is nearly three times higher for the group of individuals with large tattoos compared to those without tattoos.  This rate (more specifically, ‘hazard rate’) accounts for age, the timing of the tattoo, and how long the individuals have been followed in the study. 

– This suggests that the bigger the tattoo and the longer it has been there, the more ink accumulates in the lymph nodes. The extent of the impact on the immune system should be further investigated so that we can better understand the mechanisms at play, says Signe Bedsted Clemmensen, assistant professor of biostatistics at SDU.

Another study from the Danish Twin Tattoo Cohort shows that tattoos are becoming increasingly common. Researchers estimate that four in ten women and three in ten men will have tattoos by the age of 25.

The link to lymphoma has also been observed in an independent Swedish study from 2024.

Are some ink colours worse than others?

Previous research has suggested that certain pigments in tattoo ink may be more problematic than others.

– In our study, we do not see a clear link between cancer occurrence and specific ink colours, but this does not mean that colour is irrelevant. We know from other studies that ink can contain potentially harmful substances, and for example, red ink more often causes allergic reactions. This is an area we would like to explore further, says Signe Bedsted Clemmensen.

What are the next steps?

The researchers now plan to investigate how ink particles affect the function of lymph nodes at a molecular level and whether certain types of lymphoma are more linked to tattoos than others.

– We want to gain a better understanding of the biological mechanisms—what happens in the lymph nodes when they are exposed to ink particles over decades? This can help us assess whether there is a real health risk and what we might do to reduce it, concludes Signe Bedsted Clemmensen.

Strong link between Western diet during pregnancy and ADHD

 New research from Denmark reveals that a mother’s diet during pregnancy—characterised by a Western dietary pattern high in fat and sugar and low in fresh ingredients—may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism in children. Researchers see potential for targeted dietary interventions during pregnancy to reduce this risk.

Smoking, alcohol, and unhealthy diets have long been known to influence foetal development. Now, a comprehensive clinical study from the University of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC) at the Danish Paediatric Asthma Centre, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, has found an association between maternal diet during pregnancy and the development of ADHD and autism in children.

“The greater a woman's adherence to a Western diet in pregnancy - high in fat, sugar, and refined products while low in fish, vegetables, and fruit—the greater the risk appears to be for her child developing ADHD or autism,” says lead author, Dr David Horner, MD, PhD.

The study identified a Western dietary pattern using data-driven analysis. Even moderate shifts along this dietary spectrum were associated with a markedly increased risk. For example, slight deviations towards a more Western diet were linked to a 66% increased risk of ADHD and a 122% increased risk of autism. However, this also presents an opportunity: even small dietary adjustments away from a Western pattern could potentially reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Over 60,000 Mother-Child Pairs Analysed

To reach these findings, researchers analysed dietary patterns, blood samples, and ADHD diagnoses across four large independent cohorts in Denmark and the United States, encompassing more than 60,000 mother-child pairs. Blood samples were analysed using metabolomics, providing insights into the biological mechanisms linking diet to neurodevelopmental disorders and serving as a validation method for the results.

The link between Western dietary patterns and ADHD was observed across all four cohorts and validated in three of them using three different methods, reinforcing the study’s credibility, according to David Horner.

The study draws on a highly detailed and robust dataset where nearly 600 children were clinically assessed for neurodevelopmental disorders at age 10. To ensure the reliability of the findings, researchers accounted for a range of factors, including genetics, which is known to play a major role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Yet, a clear association between a maternal Western diet and the risk of ADHD and autism remained.

The study, “A Western dietary pattern during pregnancy is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence,” has been published today in the prestigious journal Nature Metabolism [link] https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01230-z.

Greatest Risk in Early Pregnancy

One of the key strengths of this study is the high quality of the biological samples, which included repeated metabolomic measurements throughout pregnancy and childhood. This allowed researchers to demonstrate that the association of diet on ADHD risk was strongest in early and mid-pregnancy.

“When comparing across cohorts, we observed the strongest associations in the first and second trimesters, suggesting that brain development during this period is particularly sensitive to maternal nutritional influences,” explains senior author Professor Morten Arendt Rasmussen from the University of Copenhagen.

Researchers identified 43 specific metabolites in maternal blood that were linked to a Western diet and could help explain the connection between diet and neurodevelopmental disorders.

“We found that 15 of these 43 metabolites were particularly linked to the increased risk of ADHD. Many of these metabolites are derived from dietary intake and play key roles in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress—factors believed to be critical in early neurodevelopment,” says David Horner.

Are Current Dietary Guidelines for Pregnant Women Effective?

According to David Horner, this study raises important questions about whether current dietary guidelines for pregnant women are sufficient.

In Denmark, dietary recommendations for pregnant women largely mirror those for the general population, emphasising a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and fish rather than red meat.

“We know that nutritional demands increase during pregnancy, and our study highlights just how crucial dietary composition is for foetal development. While the Nordic diet is often considered healthy, our data show that many pregnant women follow dietary patterns that could be optimised to better support their child’s development. This study raises the question of whether existing dietary recommendations are sufficiently followed during pregnancy—and whether they have the desired impact on child health,” says David Horner.

He adds that the study not only demonstrates an association between diet and ADHD risk but also provides insights into specific nutrients and food groups that could play a vital role in foetal brain development.

“Our analysis not only confirms a strong link between diet and ADHD risk but also identifies specific nutrients and foods that could serve as the foundation for improved dietary guidelines and preventative strategies. By understanding how maternal diet influences foetal development, we can better identify the key nutrients and dietary adjustments needed to reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. This opens new possibilities for refining dietary recommendations and promoting healthier outcomes for future generations.”

Study Details

The study was conducted by COPSAC and the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) and the VDAART cohort in the USA.

Key Findings:

The study finds a strong association between a Western dietary pattern during pregnancy and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and autism.

Findings for ADHD were validated in 3 independent mother-child cohorts.

The strongest associations between a Western diet and ADHD risk were observed in the first and second trimesters, suggesting that foetal brain development during this period is particularly sensitive to maternal nutrition.

Methodology:

Researchers used a combination of dietary records, blood analyses, genetic data, and clinical diagnoses from four large mother-child cohorts to investigate whether a Western diet during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of ADHD and autism in children.

The Four Cohorts Analysed:

• COPSAC2010 (Denmark, 508 mother-child pairs) – Primary cohort with detailed neurodevelopmental clinical assessments at 10 years, and five metabolomics time points in both mother and child, as well as foetal dry blood spot metabolomics.
• Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC, Denmark, 59,725 mother-child pairs) – Large population-based study used to validate FFQ-based dietary patterns against ADHD diagnoses in national registers.
• VDAART (USA, 656 mother-child pairs) – Used to validate dietary patterns and blood metabolites from both pregnancy and childhood in relation to ADHD.
• COPSAC2000 (Denmark, 348 mother-child pairs) – Used to analyse fetal dry blood spot metabolomes to identify a metabolic signature of a Western dietary pattern and validate its link to ADHD symptoms.

Limitations:

This is an observational study, meaning it shows a strong statistical association but does not conclusively prove that a Western diet causes ADHD or autism.

• Dietary information was collected through self-reported food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), which may introduce recall bias and inaccuracies.
• However, dietary patterns were identified using data-driven methods (minimising bias), and machine learning models were employed to identify metabolite scores as an objective biomarker.
• Genetics also play a major role. ADHD and autism have a high genetic component (up to 80% heritability).
• Women with a more Western diet often had higher BMI, smoked during pregnancy, and used more antibiotics, which may independently effect child development. The study adjusted for these factors but cannot fully rule out other lifestyle influences.

Physical activity linked to lower risk of dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders

  People who get moderate to vigorous physical activity may be less likely to develop dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, according to a preliminary study released today, February 27, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025, in San Diego and online.

The study also found that the more time people spent sitting, the more likely they were to develop one of these diseases.

“This research highlights the role of physical activity and sedentary behavior as modifiable factors that may enhance brain health and reduce the incidence of these diseases,” said study author Jia-Yi Wu, MD, of Fudan University in Shanghai, China. “It is promising to think that encouraging people to make these lifestyle changes could potentially lessen the burden of these diseases in the future.”

From a large United Kingdom database, researchers looked at data from 73,411 people with an average age of 56 who wore accelerometer devices continuously for seven days to measure their physical activity, how much energy they used on their activities and how much time they spent sitting each day.

Metabolic equivalents (METs) were used to quantify energy expenditure. Moderate to vigorous physical activity was defined as activities with an energy expenditure of at least three METs, where walking or cleaning was three METs and more intense exercise like cycling could be around six METs, depending on speed. People who had moderate to vigorous physical activity energy expenditure were 14% to 40% less likely to develop the five diseases than those who had lower energy expenditure, depending on how active they were.

The people who did not develop any of the diseases had an average daily moderate to vigorous physical activity energy expenditure of 1.22 kilojoules per kilogram, compared to 0.85 for the people who developed dementia, 0.95 for those who developed sleep disorders, 1.02 for stroke, 1.08 for depression and 1.10 for anxiety.

The more time people spent sitting, the higher their risk of developing one of the diseases, with the increase ranging from 5% to 54% higher than those who spent the least amount of time sitting.

“Some previous studies have relied on people reporting on their own levels of activity,” Wu said. “With our large number of participants and the use of devices that provide objective measurements of activity levels, these results will have implications for assessing risk factors and developing interventions to prevent the development of these diseases.”

A limitation of the study was that 96% of the participants were white people, so the results may not apply to other groups.

This study was supported by grants from the Scientific and Technological Innovation 2030 – “Brain Science and Brain-inspired Artificial Intelligence” Major Project.

Discover more about migraine at BrainandLife.org, from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource also offers a magazine, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world’s leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life® on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.