Approved Research

Investigation of relation between physical activity, sleep health and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Lay summary

Chronic inflammatory diseases (CID), including asthma, IBS, laryngitis and arthritis, are common health issues that can affect quality of life.

Currently, researchers speculate that exercise, sleep and chronic inflammatory diseases could be interrelated. Small studies suggest this may be true, but larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. This huge study can provide stronger evidence and explore possible causal links between these factors.

We want to see if people with certain exercise and sleep habits are more prone to Chronic inflammatory diseases. We also want to explore whether genes involved in exercise, sleep and disease risk are connected. By studying links between lifestyle, genes and health issues, this 3-year project could help determine the healthiest patterns of exercise and rest. This may help many avoid chronic illness and live better lives.

The study has two main parts: First, researchers will analyze links between exercise/sleep and the chance of having an inflammatory disease. Second, gene data will be used to look for genetic links between exercise, sleep and disease risk. Advanced research techniques will explore whether changes in one factor (exercise, sleep or Chronic inflammatory diseases) directly contributes to changes in the others.

This research could significantly impact public health by finding lifestyles that may help reduce chronic inflammatory disease. Exercise and sleep are modifiable, so people may be able to make changes to improve their health and quality of life. Overall health may be improved by the large scale promotion of ideal exercise/sleep based on this study's findings.