This Common Daily Habit Could Be Linked to Early Death, Says New Study
This Common Daily Habit Could Be Linked to Early Death, Says New Study
A new study has found that certain daytime nap habits may be linked to a higher risk of death in older adults. The study looked at when people nap, how long they nap, and how often their nap times change. It found that longer and more irregular naps may be a sign of health problems.
Researchers looked at data from over 86,000 people between the ages of 43 and 79. These people wore a device that tracked their rest and sleep for seven days. Naps were counted as any sleep between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. The health of the participants was then followed for about 11 years. During this time, more than 5,800 people died.
What the Study Found
People who took longer naps, who changed their nap times often, or who napped both around noon and early afternoon were more likely to die during the follow-up years. This result stayed true even when other factors like age, weight, smoking, and nighttime sleep were considered.
Experts say the study does not prove that naps cause death. Instead, it may show that people who nap in these ways could already have health issues. For example, tiredness during the day can be caused by problems like sleep disorders, heart disease, or other medical conditions.
How Naps May Affect the Body
Some doctors say long or late naps may change the body’s natural sleep cycle. This can make it harder to sleep at night. Poor sleep at night can lead to other problems, like low energy, high blood pressure, or trouble with the heart and body systems.
Experts say people don’t need to stop napping completely. Short naps of less than 30 minutes can help people feel more awake without affecting their sleep at night. But if someone feels very tired every day and takes long naps often, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor.
This study shows that it’s important to pay attention to how and when you nap. While naps are not bad on their own, they might be a sign that something else is wrong. People who nap a lot or feel tired all day may need to check their overall health. Getting good sleep at night and staying active during the day can help reduce the need for naps.
