Not getting enough sleep lessens cognitive benefits of exercise – study

The researchers said their study highlights the need for sleep to protect against cognitive decline as people get older (Alamy/PA)

Middle-aged people not getting enough sleep are less likely to see the benefits of exercise when it comes to protecting against decline in skills such as memory and thinking, scientists have said.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) found that those in their 50s and 60s who performed regular physical activities but slept less than six hours a night had a faster decline in these skills overall.