Longer and More Frequent Daytime Naps Tied to Higher Death Risk in Older Adults

Overview

• Researchers tracked more than 1,300 U.S. older adults, average age 81, using wrist sleep monitors for up to 19 years.
• Each additional hour of daily napping was linked to a 13% higher risk of death from any cause.
• Naps taken often in the morning, rather than an early‑afternoon rest, marked a higher risk and may signal undiagnosed illness.
• The authors stress this is correlation, not proof of harm, and advise a medical check if daytime sleepiness grows or sleep patterns change.
• The study sample was largely white and did not include younger adults or shift workers, which limits how widely the findings apply.