Brisbane, Australia

Maintaining optimal health involves more than just exercising and sleeping well. It requires a balanced approach to daily activities, including sitting, standing, light activity, and exercise. 

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While we intuitively recognise the benefits of standing over sitting and the importance of exercise and sleep, achieving the right balance among these activities remains a challenge. Questions arise, particularly regarding how to structure our day to maximise health benefits while minimising risks.

Now, research conducted on over 2,000 adults wearing body sensors for a week provided valuable insights into daily activity patterns and their correlation with health markers.

By analysing data on sitting, standing, light activity, and exercise, researchers identified optimal combinations that were associated with reduced risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

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The average ideal distribution of time across a 24-hour period, taking into account all factors, were as follows:

  • Sitting: Six hours
  • Standing: Five hours and 10 minutes
  • Light-to-moderate physical activity (less than 100 steps per minute): Two hours and 10 minutes
  • Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (more than 100 steps per minute): Two hours and 10 minutes
  • Sleeping: Eight hours and 20 minutes
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Current health guidelines typically focus on recommending a certain amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week.

However, emerging evidence suggests that how we spend our entire day, including time spent sitting, standing, and engaging in light activity, can significantly impact our health.

Therefore, upcoming health guidelines may need to incorporate recommendations for 24-hour movement patterns.

Also read | Brain weakens neuronal connections while you sleep, but only during first half

One surprising finding from the research was the significant impact of light-intensity physical activity on glucose control, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Incorporating short bouts of light activity, such as short walks, throughout the day showed metabolic benefits, especially after meals.

(With inputs from agencies)