Links between sleep, exercise and blood sugar will be explored in a University of Newcastle study with a two-pronged approach to boost health.
Professor Mitch Duncan, of Hunter Medical Research Institute, leads the Move and Sleep study.
"We're trying to figure out if doing more exercise and improving sleep is better for glucose control than just being active," Professor Duncan said.
"We know from previous studies that being physically active is a great way to improve sleep. And we've shown in other studies we can improve sleep."
The study is seeking more than 300 Hunter or Central Coast residents keen to get better sleep.
Participants must be aged 45 to 64 and be physically inactive, or doing less than 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.
They must also experience poor sleep and have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Three visits to the university will be required, with $30 paid each time for expenses.
Researchers will support participants to make changes during their daily lives, including before bedtime, to help them sleep better.
"We focus on the basics and practical strategies," Professor Duncan said.
The study aimed to help people sleep and exercise better to improve glucose control.
More active muscles improve the efficiency of blood glucose regulation in the body.
"There's also studies that show when you're sleep-deprived, or have poor quality sleep, your body's ability to regulate blood sugar isn't as good," he said.
"So if we can get people sleeping better, that will help improve their body function at a cellular level."
The study will help people wake and go to sleep at a consistent time.
"This helps the body get into a cycle. After a while, it becomes regulated," he said.
"The body then knows it's OK to be sleepy at a certain time.
"If it's not consistent, the body clock is playing catch up. It becomes really difficult. That's one of the key things we focus on."
The study will help people wind down before bed and give advice to prevent them waking a lot.
"The aim is to switch off racing minds before bed," he said.
"Often people think alcohol is the answer to getting to sleep, but it doesn't work. It pulls you out of sleep later in the night."
The study will help people boost physical activity by making time for it and sticking to a routine.
Professor Duncan said glucose control would be measured in the study because "about a third of people with poorly controlled glucose develop type 2 diabetes".
"It's also a strong risk factor for heart disease," he said.
Participants will be given continuous glucose monitors, enabling researchers to see if they're benefiting from better sleep and exercise.
"That allows us to see glucose levels across the day and night."
About one third of adults don't get the recommended amount of sleep or exercise.
For sleep, seven to nine hours a night is advised.
For exercise, the advice is 2.5 to five hours of moderate activity and 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous activity a week.
To participate, do the online survey at redcap.link/moveandsleep.
