Feeling refreshed and clear-headed after exercise is not just a psychological effect; recent studies have confirmed that moderate-intensity exercise can enhance brain memory function, with effects lasting up to 24 hours.

A research team from University College London recruited 76 participants aged 50 and older, asking them to wear activity trackers for eight consecutive days to monitor their daily sleep patterns and perform cognitive ability tests. The results showed that if a participant engaged in moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise on a given day¡ªsuch as brisk walking, dancing, or climbing stairs, which cause an increase in heart rate¡ªtheir scores for working memory, episodic memory, spatial awareness, and reaction speed were improved the following day.

Sleep duration of more than six hours can enhance episodic memory, whereas longer periods of sedentary behavior are associated with poorer working memory. Experts analyze that exercise increases cerebral blood flow and stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in boosting cognitive function. Previous studies have found that brain neural changes following exercise can last for several hours, but this study focuses on the effects over a longer time frame.

Exercise enables participants to achieve longer periods of quality sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep, and breaking up prolonged sedentary periods through movement also aids in memory enhancement. Therefore, the benefits of exercise are round-the-clock. With the global population aging, enhancing exercise interventions is crucial for achieving overall societal health and longevity.