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- Frequent and longer naps in older adults are linked to higher mortality rates, researchers found in a new study
- Excessive daytime napping may indicate underlying health issues like neurodegeneration or cardiovascular diseases
- Morning nappers may face more severe health problems, such as chronic inflammation, compared to afternoon nappers
Older adults who take frequent naps may be at risk of serious health issues, according to new research.
Researchers reported in a recent study, “Objectively Measured Daytime Napping Patterns and All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults,” that frequent and morning-daytime naps are associated with higher mortality rates in adults.
The study was published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open on Monday, April 20, and examined data collected over 19 years from 1,338 adults aged 56 or older.
The researchers found that older people who engage in excessive daytime napping between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. could face neurological decline, along with cardiovascular diseases and more severe health concerns.
After studying the data collected by wearable devices worn by the study’s participants, researchers found that those who took long and frequent naps faced increased mortality rates.
Excessive napping can cause sleep disruption and circadian misalignment, which can lead to cardiovascular health concerns, including increased blood pressure, heightened sympathetic nervous system activation, or reduced ability of blood vessels to dilate.
The study found that morning nappers, compared to afternoon nappers, may have “more underlying health issues.” Additionally, daytime nappers could face a higher mortality risk due to systemic inflammation, which has been commonly associated with several chronic conditions.
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The study found that older people who are taking longer and more frequent naps may be doing so because of “distinct underlying conditions,” which can ultimately lead to even more severe implications.
It concluded that the metrics collected by wearable devices while a person is napping can “help identify high-risk individuals,” and may be useful in programs that can help with “improving sleep longevity in older adults.”
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