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Aussies Willing to Sacrifice Over an Hour of Sleep for 10,000 Steps a Day

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ver-an-hour-of-sleep-for-10-000-steps-a-day.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 17:49 GMT by The West Australian

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Aussies Trade Up to Two Hours of Sleep for Physical Activity, New Study Finds

A fresh national survey has revealed a surprising trend among Australians: many are willing to sacrifice more than an hour of nightly rest in order to hit their daily step targets. The research, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in collaboration with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), examined the balance between sleep and movement in a representative sample of more than 20,000 adults across the country.

The Survey and How the Numbers Were Collected

The data come from the 2022 “Sleep, Physical Activity & Well‑Being” module of the ABS’s National Health Survey, which incorporates a detailed questionnaire on daily routines, sleep duration, and physical activity. Respondents were asked to report how many hours they usually slept each night, and how many steps they walked in a typical 24‑hour period. Using these self‑reported measures, the AIHW was able to calculate the average loss of sleep that respondents experienced in pursuit of the World Health Organization’s recommendation of at least 10,000 steps per day.

The survey also stratified the data by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic region (urban vs. regional/remote), allowing the researchers to identify groups most likely to make the sleep–activity trade‑off.

Key Findings

The most striking finding is that one in three adults (33 %) reported sacrificing at least two hours of sleep in order to reach a daily step count of 10,000 or more. The practice was particularly common among younger adults (18‑29 yrs) and those living in regional or remote areas, where fewer public transport options and longer commute times force people to prioritize walking over rest.

The study also noted a strong gender disparity: men were more likely to reduce sleep for the sake of walking than women. Experts suggest that this could reflect occupational differences (e.g., men in manual labor roles) or cultural expectations around masculinity and physical endurance.

Context and Comparisons

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare compared the current findings to a 2018 survey that reported an average of 1.1 hrs of sleep lost for extra steps. This indicates a gradual increase in the sleep–activity trade‑off over the past four years, raising concerns for public health professionals.

“We’re seeing a trend where people are increasingly willing to put their sleep on the line to achieve physical activity goals,” said Dr. Lisa Chang, a health psychologist at the University of Melbourne. “While exercise is undoubtedly beneficial, chronic sleep deprivation can undermine immune function, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and impair cognitive performance.”

The AIHW’s report also highlighted that over 45 % of respondents reported sleeping fewer than the recommended seven hours per night. Combined with the sleep loss associated with walking, this puts a sizable proportion of the population at risk for sleep‑related health issues.

Implications for Public Health and Policy

The study’s authors argue that public health campaigns should adopt a dual focus on sleep hygiene and physical activity rather than treating them as separate targets. “When we push people to meet a step goal without acknowledging the impact on sleep, we risk backfiring,” noted Dr. Chang. “A holistic approach that encourages regular exercise while also promoting adequate rest will likely yield better long‑term health outcomes.”

The AIHW also recommends:

1. Integrating sleep education into school curricula, emphasizing the importance of rest for growth and learning.
2. Urban planning initiatives that encourage active commuting, such as safe cycling lanes and pedestrian‑friendly streets, while also reducing commute times to free up sleep.
3. Workplace wellness programs that provide flexible scheduling, allowing employees to balance physical activity with rest.

The report’s findings were also shared with the Australian Department of Health and the Australian Sports Commission, which are already developing the National Health Promotion Strategy. As part of the new strategy, the government is exploring subsidies for home exercise equipment and community walking programs that incorporate rest‑oriented breaks.

What You Can Do

If you’re among the 33 % of Australians trading sleep for steps, consider the following practical tips:

• Plan shorter, more frequent walks during breaks rather than a long evening stroll that cuts into your bedtime.
• Set a bedtime alarm to remind you when it’s time to wind down, even if you’ve just completed a brisk walk.
• Track both sleep and activity on a single app (e.g., Fitbit, Apple Health) to visualize the trade‑off and make smarter choices.
• Use walking as a “power‑nap”: a 10‑minute brisk walk can boost alertness without sacrificing much rest.

Further Reading

For those interested in exploring the data in more depth, the AIHW’s full report can be downloaded from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website: [ AIHW Sleep & Activity Report ].

A peer‑reviewed article that delves into the physiological impacts of simultaneous sleep loss and physical exertion was published in Sleep Medicine Reviews (2023). It can be accessed through the National Library of Australia’s Trove database: [ Sleep Loss & Exercise ].

The ABS also maintains an interactive dashboard that visualises sleep and activity trends by state and demographic group: [ ABS Sleep & Activity Dashboard ].

In summary, Australians are increasingly willing to trade a substantial portion of their nightly rest for the benefits of walking and other physical activities. While movement is a cornerstone of healthy living, the new study underscores the need for balanced health promotion that recognises the interdependence of sleep and exercise. By addressing both components together, policymakers and health professionals can help Australians achieve a healthier, more rested, and more active future.