Morning Walk? Could Benefit Your Memory, Says New Study

For people who enjoy a morning cycle or brisk walk, the benefits of early exercise are well-known. Now, new research suggests
physical activity might also offer a surprising boost: a slight increase in memory performance the day after.

The Brain-Boosting Effects of Exercise

A study from University College London has found that engaging in 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, combined with at least six hours of quality sleep, could contribute to improved cognitive function the following day.

“The takeaway is simply that physical activity is good for your brain, and good sleep helps that,” explained Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg, lead author of the study.

While previous studies have explored the short-term cognitive benefits of exercise, they often relied on laboratory settings and measured effects within minutes to hours. These studies suggested that the benefits could stem from increased blood flow to the brain and stimulation of neurotransmitters.

Real-Life Impact: Exercise Benefits Last Longer Than Expected

This new research, however, takes a real-world approach. By tracking the sleep and physical activity of 76 adults aged 50-83 over eight days, scientists discovered that the benefits of exercise extend beyond the initial hours, lasting throughout the day.

Participants wore accelerometers to monitor their activity levels while completing daily online cognitive tests to assess their attention, memory, and processing speed.

Although Dr. Bloomberg emphasized that it’s difficult to determine whether these slight improvements translate to clinically significant differences for participants, her team hopes to conduct further research with individuals experiencing cognitive impairment.

Unlocking Potential Benefits for Cognition

“The idea is that for people with mild cognitive impairment, even a small boost in cognitive performance on a day-to-day basis can make a big difference,” said Dr. Bloomberg.

The study also highlighted a link between sedentary behavior and reduced working memory scores. However, Dr. Bloomberg cautions that the type of sedentary activity could be crucial.

Participants who consistently slept at least six hours per night demonstrated higher scores in episodic memory, attention, and physical response speed.

Keeping Your Brain Sharp

This research underscores the importance of prioritizing both physical activity and adequate sleep as we age. “We all experience cognitive decline as we get older, it’s a normal part of aging,” Bloomberg said. “So that’s the age group where we start to think: what are these little things we can do on a day-to-day basis to improve our cognitive function and our independence and social participation?”

Ready to get moving to improve your memory? Incorporate a quick walk, jog, or exercise into your daily routine and prioritize a good night’s sleep.