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Cambridge, January 28 — As young adults transition into professional life, their sleep and physical activity levels—critical components of a healthy lifestyle—decline significantly, according to a study conducted by the University of Cambridge.
The research, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, analyzed data from over 3,000 participants aged 16–30 who began working for the first time between 2015 and 2023.
The study revealed an initial rise in physical activity among individuals in semi-routine or routine occupations, such as bus drivers, hairdressers, cleaners, and waitstaff, as well as technical jobs. However, this increase diminished over time, with physical activity dropping by an average of seven minutes per day each year after starting work.
Conversely, those entering managerial or professional roles exhibited minimal engagement in physical activity, and the largest decline was observed among people working from home. Notably, while physical activity dropped for remote workers, their sleep levels remained stable.
“Young adults’ sleep duration per night declined by approximately 10 minutes upon entering the workforce, which can have long-term implications for overall well-being,” said Alena Oxenham from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at Cambridge.
Oxenham emphasized the importance of maintaining physical activity to promote long-term health. She recommended simple interventions for remote workers, such as incorporating walks into their daily routine, either before or after work or during lunch breaks.
The findings also highlighted gender differences: men showed a greater initial increase in physical activity—equivalent to 45 minutes of moderate exercise per day—compared to 16 minutes for women.
Workplace health initiatives could play a vital role in addressing these issues, the researchers suggested. “Promoting healthy diets, regular physical activity, and sufficient sleep among young employees can lead to healthier workplaces and fewer sick days,” the study concluded.
Disclaimer: The findings of this study are based on data collected from participants in the UK and may not fully represent global trends. The study emphasizes correlations and does not imply causation. Readers are advised to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice on physical activity, sleep, and overall well-being.
