A new study reveals that excessive napping in older adults could be a significant warning sign of declining health. Conducted over 19 years, the research involved more than 1,300 adults aged 56 and older, with findings published in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers discovered that morning naps and longer, more frequent napping patterns correlate with increased mortality rates. In fact, each extra hour of daily napping raises the risk of death by about 13 percent. Additionally, taking an extra nap each day is linked to a 7 percent higher risk of dying during the follow-up period.
Chenlu Gao, a lead researcher on the study, emphasized the implications of these findings: “Excessive napping is likely indicating underlying disease, chronic conditions, sleep disturbances or circadian dysregulation.” This suggests that what may seem like a harmless habit could actually be a red flag for serious health issues.
Morning nappers face an even steeper risk—about 30 percent higher compared to those who nap in the early afternoon. This pattern raises questions about how our bodies process rest as we age. Are these naps merely a response to fatigue, or are they signals of deeper health concerns?
The study incorporated wrist monitors starting in 2005 to record participants’ behaviors over an average period of ten days. This objective data collection allowed researchers to draw clearer connections between napping habits and health outcomes.
While brief naps can provide immediate relief from fatigue and enhance alertness, Gao warns against excessive napping: “While brief naps can immediately alleviate fatigue and improve alertness, excessive napping in late life has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases and even greater morbidity.”
As communities seek ways to support their aging populations, understanding the nuances of napping patterns could be crucial. Monitoring these habits might help catch potential health conditions before they escalate. Gao concludes with optimism: “Our study is one of the first to show an association between objectively measured nap patterns and mortality.” This insight highlights the immense clinical value in tracking how older adults rest.
