Sitting for long periods increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even mortality. Sedentary behaviors such as this have increased over the past months due to lockdowns, which compels people to stay at home to study or work.
Some would even do their work while lying on the bed, which is no different from sitting as it has the same health risks. The increasing frequency of sedentary behaviors in Americans had become more alarming this time since even before the pandemic, many had managed to put physical activities out of their lives, and the pandemic has just made it worse.
Sitting and Other Sedentary Behavior Increases Risks for Diseases
Due to the restrictions in place, people go outside less, which means many would be missing the gym. At the same time, working from home attending countless Zoom meetings meant that people are sitting for more hours than ever.
Some would think that lying on the bed or a hammock could be better because it is a different position, but experts said all sedentary behaviors have the same health risks. Sedentary behavior is waking behavior associated with low levels of energy expenditure, such as sitting, lying down, or reclining.
It's time to move it, move it!
According to a 2016 study, sitting a lot and without doing any form of moderate or vigorous physical activity poses a very high risk of mortality. But those who sat only a little but do high levels of moderate or vigorous physical activity have the lowest risk.
People who are in the middle of this and are able to balance the time of sitting and do plenty of physical activity show that the risk of mortality decreases as long as the physical activity also increases regardless of how long someone sits. But researchers recommend low sedentary behavior and high physical activity to avoid such health risks.
The current estimated time of physical activity is 60 to 75 minutes a day of moderate physical activity or 30 to 45 minutes of vigorous physical activity.
According to the World Health Organization, physical activity pertains to body movements that require spending energy, whether while playing or doing household chores. Its benefits begin immediately, and any amount of it helps the body, whether the person is young or old.
Exercise is just one of the many physical activities that everyone should do. It is structured to enhance one's flexibility, speed, and balance, along with muscular fitness and cardio health. Aside from health, it also improves one's quality of life.
Exercising lowers the risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, osteoporosis, and hypertension. It also promotes good mental health and improves sleep quality.
CHECK THIS OUT: Not in the Mood for Exercise? Scientists Say Simple Stretches Could Improve Blood Flow and Prevent Heart Disease
Sleep is a Must
Sedentary behavior does not include sleep as it is a must for one to maintain good health. Sleeping for less than six hours compromises a person's life. Doing this would result in behavior difficulties, emotional control, and problems in decision-making and problem-solving.
Sleep deficiency also affects the immune system, leading to vulnerability to infections. It is also a factor in depression, high-risk behavior, and suicide. Additionally, poor sleep also promotes obesity as it increases the hunger hormone called ghrelin and decreases the satiety hormone, leptin. This then leads to overeating.
In adults, it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, kidney disease, and stroke. In children, it affects the release of growth hormones. Physical activity will help people fall asleep faster.
READ MORE: Regular Exercising Improves the Quality of Your Sleep In More Ways Than You Think
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