War eroded Israelis' habits

A Hebrew University survey found that Israelis’ eating, exercise, sleep and smoking habits all worsened during the war, with physical activity dropping the most. (afhu.org) The study surveyed 485 Jewish adults in Israel, ages 20 to 70, about their behavior during the war compared with the prior two months. It was led by Dr. Roni Lotan, Prof. Eyal Peer and researcher Dana Roll at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Federmann School of Public Policy and Governance. (afhu.org) Nearly two-thirds of respondents said their daily step count fell, by about 30% on average, and 57% reported doing less aerobic, strength or flexibility exercise. Sixty percent said they slept less, with sleep duration down 13.4% on average. (afhu.org) Researchers also reported more snacking on ultra-processed foods such as sweets, pastries and packaged snacks, plus higher alcohol use and more cigarette consumption among smokers. Women reported a larger drop in fruit and vegetable intake and a bigger rise in ultra-processed food intake than men. (afhu.org; jpost.com) The researchers tied the changes to war conditions that disrupted ordinary routines, including repeated air-raid alarms. Higher alarm exposure was associated with larger reductions in sleep and daily steps. (afhu.org) That pattern fits with broader Israeli data collected before and during the war. A national survey published in the Journal of Public Health in February 2026 found the share of adults reporting poor mental health rose from 17.8% before the war to 33.6% during it, with physical inactivity, smoking and fast-food consumption linked to worse mental health. (springer.com) The new Hebrew University study also looked at families with young children. Among 206 parents of children ages 2 to 10, about half reported more ultra-processed food, less physical activity and shorter sleep for their children, while 85% reported more screen time. (afhu.org; jpost.com) The study was released on April 20, 2026, through Hebrew University channels and was described in press coverage as non-peer-reviewed. The authors said the results point to a need for emergency responses that make exercise, regular meals and sleep easier to maintain under sustained stress. (afhu.org; jpost.com)