A recent study involving older adults has identified a potential connection between frequent or prolonged daytime napping and increased health risks. Researchers from Mass General Brigham and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago conducted a federally funded study tracking 1,338 individuals aged 56 and older, using wrist-worn activity monitors to collect data beginning in 2005. The participants, predominantly white with an average age of 81, were monitored for napping habits and corresponding health outcomes.

The study found that nearly all participants engaged in daytime naps. Analysis revealed that for each additional nap taken per day, there was a 7 percent increase in the risk of death. Similarly, each extra hour spent napping during the day was linked to a 13 percent rise in mortality risk. Notably, individuals who frequently napped in the morning exhibited a 30 percent higher risk of death compared to those who napped later in the afternoon.

Despite these findings, the researchers emphasized that napping itself is not inherently harmful. Daytime naps have been shown to improve cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and creativity, and are widely accepted as a cultural norm in countries like Spain, Italy, China, and Japan. The concern arises when napping becomes excessively long or shifts to the morning hours, as it may signal underlying health issues.

Chenlu Gao, the study’s lead author and a researcher in the Department of Anesthesiology, noted that a pattern of frequent, extended naps, particularly in the morning, could be an indicator of deteriorating health rather than a direct cause of increased mortality. The study suggests that excessive daytime sleepiness or early-day napping might reflect conditions such as sleep disturbances, chronic illness, or other factors that contribute to higher health risks in older adults.

The findings highlight the importance of monitoring changes in sleep patterns among the elderly, as sudden or consistent shifts toward longer or earlier naps could warrant further medical evaluation. Researchers advocate for a nuanced understanding of napping habits, encouraging individuals and healthcare providers to consider daytime sleepiness as a potential symptom rather than a benign habit.