Research: Walking habits affect nighttime sleep

Scientists at George Mason University in the U.S. discovered in a study of young adults that walking style may be linked to sleep quality. In the study, participants were equipped with motion sensors to examine their gait. The results showed that individuals who move their hips more and take irregular steps are more likely to experience sleep problems. 

Kinesiologist Joel Martin, who led the research, stated that these differences can be observed in daily life. Martin noted that the gait of sleep-deprived individuals can appear "drunken."

The study examined 123 participants with an average age of 24. While 59 percent of the participants slept well, 41 percent were experiencing sleep problems. Participants were asked to walk on an oval track while wearing body-mounted motion sensors, and their walking patterns were analyzed with the help of artificial intelligence. It was observed that those who were sleep-deprived had less rotation in their lower spine and more variation in their pelvic tilt angles.

Similar studies have been conducted in the past. For example, a 2016 study at the University of Haifa revealed that older adults who sleep less walk more asymmetrically and slowly. Additionally, a 2020 study at Louisiana State University showed that older adults with poor sleep quality have irregular walking patterns.