Daijiworld Media Network – Boston

Boston, Jun 23: Afternoon naps, once considered a sign of rest and rejuvenation, may be a hidden warning sign of declining health, according to a new study by Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

The large-scale research tracked over 86,000 adults with wearable devices for 11 years and found that certain napping patterns — especially long, irregular, or midday-heavy naps — were linked to higher mortality risk. The findings remained consistent even after adjusting for factors like BMI, alcohol use, smoking, and nighttime sleep.

Unlike earlier studies that relied on self-reports, this research used objective data to examine real-time sleep behavior. The results suggest that nap habits could be early indicators of underlying issues like cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, depression, or neurodegenerative decline.

Lead researcher Dr Chenlu Gao said that while short and consistent naps may be harmless or even beneficial, longer or inconsistent naps might reflect disruptions in circadian rhythm or poor nighttime sleep, both of which are tied to long-term health risks.

Past studies have shown similar results, including a 2022 Harvard report linking frequent napping to an increased risk of hypertension and stroke.

Experts are not warning against naps entirely but recommend keeping them brief, consistent, and scheduled before mid-afternoon. They also urge people who experience excessive daytime drowsiness to seek medical advice, as it could point to undiagnosed conditions like sleep apnea or other chronic illnesses.

The study highlights that napping is not just about rest but could be a subtle sign of deeper health problems. While short, scheduled naps can boost alertness, longer and erratic napping patterns may be telling a different story — one that deserves closer attention.