To minimize the time spent in active mode, virtual port registers can be used. This allows for single-cycle access with I/O memory specific instructions like IN, OUT, and bit manipulation for the registers DIR, IN, OUT, and INTFLAGS for up to four I/O ports.
Use the Virtual Port registers for I/O port access to minimize power consumption.
For more detailed information on low-power consumption techniques to be followed, refer application note AVR1010: Minimizing the power consumption of Atmel AVR XMEGA devices.