Study Links Afternoon Napping to Higher Risk of Death in Older Adults
Boston, June 10 — A new study conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital has found a potential link between midday and early evening naps and an increased risk of death among middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Published in the journal Sleep, the study challenges long-held assumptions about the health benefits of napping and suggests that the timing and duration of daytime sleep could play a significant role in long-term health outcomes.
The research team analyzed data from over 86,000 participants who wore wrist devices designed to monitor their sleep activity between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. The study spanned more than 11 years, during which time over 5,000 participants died. Findings revealed that while the average nap lasted approximately 24 minutes, the most common nap period occurred between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., with napping between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. being least common.
The study found that individuals who engaged in longer or more frequent naps during the afternoon or early evening had a higher risk of mortality. This risk was particularly pronounced among those who also experienced disrupted nighttime sleep or irregular sleep patterns.
“These findings suggest that not all naps are created equal,” the researchers noted. “The timing of naps, especially later in the day, may reflect underlying health issues or contribute to circadian rhythm disruption, which in turn could influence mortality risk.”
While the study does not establish a direct causal relationship, it raises important questions about common sleep habits among aging populations. Daytime napping has often been promoted as a restorative habit, but this research highlights the need for more nuanced guidance, particularly for those over 50.
Health experts say further investigation is needed to better understand whether afternoon napping directly contributes to higher mortality, or whether it is a symptom of existing health problems.
The study underscores the importance of maintaining consistent, high-quality sleep during nighttime hours and cautions against excessive or poorly timed naps during the day, especially for older adults.
As the global population continues to age, researchers emphasize that better understanding of sleep’s role in overall health could help guide lifestyle recommendations and public health policy.
