Synopsis
A recent study reveals that young adults starting their careers experience a significant drop in daily physical activity and sleep. Conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the findings stress the importance of integrating activity into daily routines to maintain health and well-being.Key Takeaways
- Young adults' physical activity declines steeply upon starting work.
- Home-based workers see the greatest drop in activity levels.
- Increased physical activity is correlated with certain job types.
- Males experienced a more significant increase in activity than females.
- Workplaces should promote health interventions for employees.
New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) A recent study indicates that as young adults embark on their careers, their daily levels of physical activity and sleep—both crucial for maintaining good health—experience a significant decline. Conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the study reveals that while physical activity initially rises, it later diminishes considerably.
Younger individuals who saw an increase in their activity levels typically held semi-routine jobs, such as bus drivers or hairdressers, as well as routine roles like cleaning or waiting tables, and technical positions.
In contrast, those who transitioned into managerial or professional roles tended to reduce their physical activity.
The most considerable decrease in activity was noted among individuals working from home, although their sleep patterns remained unchanged upon starting their jobs.
“To maintain our health throughout our lives, it is vital to stay active,” emphasized Alena Oxenham from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the university.
Oxenham recommended that home-based workers “find ways to integrate physical activity into their daily routine.” She proposed options like taking a walk before or after work, or during lunch breaks.
This research analyzed longitudinal data from over 3,000 participants in the UK, all aged 16-30, who began their first jobs between 2015 and 2023.
The findings, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, indicated an average jump in physical activity equivalent to about 28 minutes of moderate exercise (like cycling) per day when participants started working.
However, this amount declined by approximately seven minutes each subsequent year.
The most significant rise was observed among males, who experienced an increase of roughly 45 minutes of moderate activity daily, compared to an increase of around 16 minutes for females.
Additionally, young adults' sleep duration decreased almost 10 minutes per night immediately after starting work, according to the study.
The researchers called on workplaces to implement health-promoting measures such as better nutrition, increased physical activity, and improved sleep for young adults to foster healthier employees and reduce sick days.
