Afternoon snoozes could potentially signal health concerns on the rise
Revised Sleep Quality and Mortality Link
A recent study questions the benefits of daytime napping, suggesting that it might not be as harmless as we thought. Napping, particularly around the middle of the day, is associated with a higher risk of death from any cause.
Researchers analyzed data from 86,565 participants in the UK Biobank, participants who ranged in age from 63 years old on average and did not have a history of shift work. They wore wristwatch-like devices to monitor their activity for 7 days, providing information about their sleeping and waking times, nap frequency, duration, and timing.
The study found that those who died during the follow-up took longer naps, had more variation in their nap times, and were more likely to nap between 11 am and 3 pm.
While this research cannot prove a causative link, it does suggest that further investigation into the connection between daytime napping habits and health is worthwhile. The findings imply that changes in napping behavior, particularly longer and irregular naps, might indicate developing health concerns, prompting healthcare professionals to ask about daytime sleep patterns, particularly in older adults.
Previous research has focused on nighttime sleep duration and quality, but this study expands the focus by identifying the timing, length, and variability of naps as potential indicators of all-cause mortality risk. Viewing sleep as a 24-hour cycle is crucial, as daytime behaviors can be just as telling as nighttime behaviors.
Daytime napping, in moderation, may have some benefits, like lowering systolic blood pressure. However, long daytime naps are associated with factors like a higher BMI, blood glucose, blood pressure, and dementia risk. Both the most recent study and previous research are observational, so they cannot establish a causative link.
If you're having trouble getting a good night's sleep, consider employing evidence-based strategies like establishing a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol, creating a calming bedtime routine, increasing daytime exposure to natural light, managing medical conditions, treating underlying sleep disorders, and exercising regularly. If excessive sleepiness persists despite good sleep hygiene, a clinical sleep assessment is recommended.
- Cause-Effect Unclear: The study cannot prove a causative link between daytime napping and increased mortality risk in older adults. Further research is needed to establish a firmer understanding.
- Benefits of Daytime Napping: Short daytime naps may have some benefits, like lowering systolic blood pressure. However, these benefits do not seem to extend to long daytime naps, which may be associated with factors like a higher BMI, blood glucose, blood pressure, and dementia risk.
- Importance of Sleep Hygiene: Establishing good sleep habits may help maintain healthier, longer sleep. A clinical sleep assessment is recommended if excessive sleepiness persists despite good sleep hygiene.
- Circadian Rhythms and Napping: Changes in napping behavior and irregular napping may indicate underlying disruptions in circadian rhythms that contribute to mortality risk in this population.
- Dementia and Daytime Napping: A recent study suggests that excessive daytime napping is linked to a higher risk of dementia.
- Older Adults and Medical-Conditions: As the risks associated with daytime napping become more evident, healthcare professionals must take notice, especially in dealing with seniors who may have chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease, respiratory conditions, or mental health issues affecting their sleep patterns. Maintaining health and wellness, including sleep quality, is crucial for managing such conditions and promoting longevity.
- Sleep and Genereal Health: Addressing sleep issues during aging and longevity is essential for overall general health. Regular medical check-ups and adherence to good sleep practices, aided by science-backed solutions for sleep disorders, can help mitigate potential risks linked to daytime napping, thus contributing to better health-and-wellness outcomes.
