Health studies link strength training and sleep patterns to mortality risks

Recent longitudinal studies have identified key lifestyle factors linked to mortality risks. Research published in the ‘British Journal of Sports Medicine’, involving over 147,000 participants over 30 years, suggests that approximately 90 to 119 minutes of weekly strength training is associated with the lowest risk of death. This group saw a 13 percent lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who did not perform strength training. When combined with aerobic activity, the benefits increased, showing a 19 percent lower risk for cardiovascular diseases and a 27 percent lower risk for neurological diseases.

Separately, a study published in ‘JAMA Network Open’ by researchers from Mass General Brigham and Rush University Medical Center examined sleep habits in seniors. Analyzing data from 1,338 individuals over up to 19 years, researchers found that seniors who primarily napped in the morning had a 30 percent higher relative risk of death compared to those who napped in the early afternoon. Experts note that morning drowsiness may be a symptom of underlying health issues or poor nocturnal sleep quality rather than a direct cause of mortality.