Longer and Frequent Morning Naps Raise Mortality Risk in Older Adults

9 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · Apr 27

A US study of 1,338 adults over 19 years found each extra hour of daily napping increased mortality risk by 13%, and each additional nap by 7%.
Morning naps were linked to a 30% higher mortality risk compared to early afternoon naps. Researchers used objective wrist monitor data from the Rush University Memory and Aging Project.
Lead author Chenlu Gao emphasizes the findings show correlation, not causation, suggesting excessive napping may signal underlying health issues and could help in early detection of disease in older adults.

Can changing your nap schedule actually lower your future health risks?

Could your morning nap be an early warning sign of a hidden illness?

Is excessive napping a symptom of disease, not the cause itself?

When does a restorative nap cross the line into a health risk?

If wearables flag risky nap habits, what is the next clinical step?