Power Naps or Warning Signs? Study Raises Red Flags for Frequent Nappers For older adults, naps may be a warning sign of underlying conditions or declining health, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers from Mass General Brigham and Rush University Medical Center followed 1,338 adults aged 56 and older for up to 19 years, using wrist-worn activity monitors to objectively measure daytime napping patterns and their association with mortality. The study found that longer, more frequent, and morning naps were each independently linked to higher all-cause mortality rates. Specifically, each additional daily nap was associated with a 7% higher risk of death, while each extra hour of daytime sleep increased the risk by about 13%. Older adults who primarily napped in the morning faced approximately a 30% higher risk of death compared to those who napped in the early afternoon. These associations remained significant even after adjusting for nighttime sleep duration, chronic illnesses, depression, and physical activity levels. Researchers emphasized that napping itself is not harmful; rather, changes in napping patterns—particularly increased frequency, duration, or a shift toward morning napping—may reflect underlying health issues such as sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, or circadian dysregulation. Morning naps are of particular concern due to the fact that healthy older adults are typically most alert earlier in the day. Regular morning sleepiness may indicate disrupted circadian rhythms, poor-quality nighttime sleep, sleep apnea, or early signs of neurological decline. The study’s use of objective wearable device data strengthens its findings, overcoming limitations of prior research that relied on self-reported napping habits. Experts note that short naps of 10 to 30 minutes taken in the early afternoon—ideally before 3 p.m.—can improve alertness and mood without interfering with nighttime rest. However, sudden changes in napping behavior, especially longer or earlier naps, warrant attention as potential early warning signs of health deterioration. The researchers suggest that tracking napping patterns through wearable technology could offer clinical value in identifying health conditions early, enabling timely intervention. They caution, however, that the observed relationships are correlational, not causal, and further study is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. As the population ages, monitoring subtle behavioral changes like daytime napping may become an important tool in preventive health, helping to detect decline before more serious symptoms emerge.
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