Study
Longer and Frequent Daytime Naps Linked to Higher Mortality in Seniors
Older adults who take longer and more frequent daytime naps, particularly in the morning, may have an increased risk of earlier death.
Summary
In plain language
Recent research has found that seniors who nap for longer periods and more frequently during the day, especially in the morning, may have a higher risk of mortality. The study monitored the daytime napping patterns of over 1,300 older adults using wearable devices over several years. Findings revealed that longer and more frequent naps were associated with an increased risk of death. These results suggest that monitoring nap patterns could help identify potential health risks. Seniors should consider discussing their napping habits with their healthcare providers to better understand any underlying health concerns.
Details
Use the full description to understand the study design, methods, and the limits of the findings.
This study used wearable devices to objectively measure the napping habits of over 1,300 adults aged 56 and older in Illinois. Participants were followed for up to 19 years to assess the impact of their nap patterns on mortality risk.
Longer and more frequent naps, especially in the morning, were linked to a higher risk of death.
Researchers used devices that participants wore on their wrists to accurately track nap duration and frequency, avoiding self-report biases.
While the study suggests a potential link between napping patterns and health outcomes, it does not prove causation, and other factors could contribute to these findings.
Seniors should talk to their healthcare providers about their sleep habits to ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Full Study
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Longer and Frequent Daytime Naps Linked to Higher Mortality in Seniors
Published September 2026
Opens at the publisher · external site · may require institutional access
Research Quality Score
Scored September 16, 2026 using rubric mq-1.8_2026-07-06.
Assessment
The study is a well-conducted prospective cohort with robust statistical methods, contributing to its high score in study design and statistical integrity. However, it lacks randomization and blinding, affecting bias control. Transparency is limited by the absence of pre-registration. The conflicts of interest disclosure is vague, impacting the conflicts score. The study is highly relevant to the target population and published in a high-quality journal.
Category Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Study design | 6.7/10 | |
| Bias control | 3.3/10 | |
| Statistical methods | 10.0/10 | |
| Reporting completeness | 5.0/10 | |
| Conflicts & funding | 5.0/10 | |
| Replication | 0.0/10 | |
| Relevance to chosen population | 10.0/10 | |
| Journal Reliability | 5.0/10 |
Additional Notes
The study investigates the association between objectively measured daytime napping patterns and all-cause mortality in older adults. It finds that longer and more frequent naps, especially in the morning, are linked to higher mortality risk.
Assessed on the study's full text across 8 quality dimensions; conflict-of-interest disclosures were reviewed.
Conditions This Research Covers
These condition pages help connect the paper back to the real-world health concerns it addresses.
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation, a condition characterized by insufficient sleep, is a common problem that can significantly impact health and well-being. It is particularly concerning for older adults, as their sleep needs may change with age. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a variety of health problems, including cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and increased risk of accidents.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, called apneas, can lead to disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue, and serious health problems. While sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, it is particularly common among older adults.
Treatments Evaluated in This Research
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