Keeping active can improve sleep, which is important because good sleep may reduce the risk of dementia. However, earlier studies disagreed about which workouts are best. To clarify this for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, researchers at the Center for Community Health and Aging at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health conducted a small observational study and published the results in Digital Health.
Jungjoo “Jay” Lee and Junhyoung “Paul” Kim equipped seven residents of a long-term care facility with Oura Rings and recorded activity and sleep for 14 days. They classified movement into light, moderate, and vigorous categories using metabolic equivalent levels, and identified restless sleep from a combination of physical movement, heart rate spikes, and skin temperature changes. The team also met participants for 15–20 minutes twice weekly during the study.
Results showed that vigorous, high-intensity exercise produced the clearest benefit for sleep. The researchers stated that for every extra second of vigorous activity, sleep disruptions fell by nearly a fifth of a second. Light activity had a smaller positive effect, while moderate exercise did not show a significant impact in this small study. The authors noted limitations such as the small sample size and lack of detail on whether activities were cardiovascular or strength training.
Looking ahead, Kim warned that the number of older adults with mild cognitive impairment in the United States is projected to rise sharply by 2060. Lee and Kim suggested that tailored, enjoyable programs—for example group walking clubs or swimming lessons—could be practical and lasting ways to help these older adults maintain quality of life.
Difficult words
- dementia — progressive brain condition affecting memory and thinking
- mild cognitive impairment — moderate problems with memory or thinking
- observational — based on observing people, not experiments
- metabolic equivalent — measure of activity intensity used in exercise
- restless — not calm during sleep; frequent movement
- vigorous — very energetic and physically demanding activity
- sample size — number of participants in a study
- tailored — made to fit individual needs or tastes
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Given the study's small sample size, how much confidence would you place in its conclusions and why?
- What kinds of tailored, enjoyable programs would be realistic in your community to help older adults stay active?
- How could wearable devices like Oura Rings be used in long-term care facilities to improve residents' sleep and daily routines?
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