Your Cart is Empty
If you frequently feel the need to nap during the day, you’re not alone. Many people turn to a quick power nap to recharge and combat tiredness. The quality and duration of sleep are closely tied to both physical and mental well-being. Adults should strive for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, which can become increasingly difficult with age. A new study suggests a link between daytime napping and increased mortality risk factors in older adults and seniors.
Researchers identified a significant link between napping patterns and long-term health risks, particularly affecting longevity and mortality. Specifically, extended nap durations, greater variability in nap lengths, and napping during midday to early afternoon hours were associated with a higher mortality risk.
The study tracked over 86,000 participants averaging 63 years of age, with 57% being female. They logged nap duration, timing, and deviations from regular napping routines for 7 days from activity trackers they wore. This information was compared with various factors, such as preferred sleep times, peak alertness or energy periods, BMI, demographic details, existing health conditions, nighttime sleep patterns, smoking, and alcohol use.
Researchers examined the link between napping patterns and all-cause mortality across an 8-year follow-up. They observed that individuals who passed away during this period tended to take longer naps, showed greater variability in nap timing, and typically napped around noon and early afternoon.
These results underscore the value of evaluating napping habits when assessing mortality risk in middle-aged and older adults. The study emphasizes that while napping itself isn’t necessarily harmful, shifts toward longer or irregular naps may indicate underlying health issues. It highlights the importance of clinicians including questions about daytime sleep in routine evaluations, particularly for older adults.
To view the original scientific study click below:
0350 Objectively-Assessed Napping Behaviors Predict Mortality in Middle-to-Older Aged Adults
As we grow older, our brains undergo various changes that lead to cognitive decline. The acetylcholine-dependent neurotransmitter system slows with age, primarily causing older adults to struggle with concentration and working memory. It also contributes significantly to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Sugar sweetened drinks have faced criticism for years, with diet versions often viewed as safer. A new study ties both sugar-filled and artificially sweetened drinks to elevated chances of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the severe liver disorder previously named nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This occurs when fat accumulates in the livers of individuals who rarely or never drink alcohol.
Regular exercise keeps your body and brain sharp as you age. It preserves mobility, supports independence, and may slow cognitive decline. New research shows exercise reprograms the body at the molecular level, fundamentally transforming biological systems from the inside out.