Daytime naps, or short afternoon sleep, are generally considered beneficial for both mental and physical health. However, a recent study suggests that sleeping for more than 20 minutes during the day may actually be a warning sign, especially in middle-aged and older adults.
Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Mass General Brigham) and Rush University Medical Center in the United States found that frequent excessive daytime sleepiness in older individuals may not only be due to lack of sleep but could also indicate hidden health problems.
The study followed 1,338 older adults over a period of 19 years, closely monitoring their health, daily habits, and nap patterns. It also examined the relationship between daytime naps and mortality risk.
Findings showed that people who regularly take long naps during the day may have a higher risk of death. Researchers noted that excessive daytime sleepiness in middle and old age is often linked with conditions such as cognitive decline, heart disease, and other underlying health issues.
According to the study, each additional hour of daytime sleep increases the risk of death by up to 13 percent. It also found that naps taken after breakfast may be more harmful than those taken after lunch.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, is considered one of the first to analyze the direct relationship between daytime napping habits and mortality risk.
Earlier research in 2023 from Juan Ramon Jimenez University Hospital in Spain also found that naps longer than 30 minutes may increase the risk of irregular heartbeat, a condition affecting more than 40 million people worldwide and significantly raising the risk of stroke.
That study analyzed data from over 20,000 healthy individuals, dividing them into groups based on their nap duration. Results showed that those who slept for 30 minutes or more during the day had double the risk of developing heart rhythm problems compared to non-nappers, while short naps were linked with lower risk.
Researchers concluded that the ideal nap duration is between 15 and 30 minutes, which may provide rest without increasing health risks.
