Researchers from Mass General Brigham and Rush University Medical Center studied 1,338 older individuals over a period of up to 19 years, according to Illustreret Videnskab.
Participants wore a wrist-based activity monitor for 10 days, which recorded their sleep and rest patterns throughout the day.
The results, published in JAMA Network Open, provided precise data on when and for how long participants slept during the daytime.
Timing of naps
The findings revealed clear differences in participants’ sleep patterns.
Also read: Pregnant women’s blood may reveal children’s risk of asthma
Individuals who slept longer during the day had higher mortality rates. The same applied to those who took more frequent naps.
In addition, the timing of naps made a notable difference. Morning naps were associated with higher mortality than those taken later in the day.
Link to diseases
The researchers emphasize that the findings do not establish a direct causal relationship, but rather indicate an association.
An increased need for daytime sleep may be linked to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, circadian rhythm disturbances, or neurodegeneration.
Also read: 16 ALS cases in small village raise concerns over toxic mushroom
It may also reflect more general health issues.
The naps themselves are not necessarily the problem. However, changes in sleep patterns among older adults may serve as an early indicator of illness.
Therefore, such changes could be important to monitor in healthcare and prevention efforts.
Sources: Illustreret Videnskab and JAMA Network Open.
Also read: Doctor accused of exploiting cancer patients with unproven treatments
Also read: New research reveals how to best protect your brain over time