Long or irregular naps may signal hidden health risks, study warns
A major study has found that certain napping habits could be linked to a higher risk of death in later life. Researchers analysed data from over 86,000 UK adults and discovered that longer naps, irregular nap lengths, and napping between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. were associated with increased mortality. The findings were presented at the SLEEP 2024 conference in Houston, Texas, on June 24, 2024.
The study, led by Jonathan Cedernaes, Laura L. Carballo, and Fred W. Turek, examined the sleep patterns of 86,565 adults using activity trackers. These devices recorded sleep duration, quality, and daily rhythms, including naps defined as any sleep between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. On average, participants napped for around 24 minutes per day.
The researchers noted that longer or inconsistent naps might indicate underlying health problems rather than directly causing higher mortality. Poor nighttime sleep, disrupted circadian rhythms, or conditions like cardiovascular disease and depression could contribute to these napping patterns. While previous studies have focused mainly on nighttime sleep, this research highlights the potential health implications of daytime naps. The team emphasised that napping itself is not harmful. However, excessively long naps, high variability in nap duration, or napping at unusual times could signal health concerns. Doctors are now being encouraged to monitor patients’ napping habits more closely as part of overall health assessments.
The study suggests that the risk linked to napping depends on factors like frequency, duration, timing, and consistency. While the findings do not prove that napping causes higher mortality, they indicate that certain patterns may reflect preexisting health issues. Researchers recommend further investigation into how daytime sleep habits could serve as early warning signs for medical conditions.
