Experts warn that napping between these specific hours could give you a higher risk of death
Liv Bridge
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Experts have issued a warning that napping between certain hours could come with higher risk of death, according to new research.
Banking eight hours of sleep a night is generally considered a good amount to keep healthy.
A good kip is vital for both physical and mental health, as it provides our bodies and brains the chance to repair and recharge its batteries.
It's also key to improving cognitive functions like memory, concentration and decision-making, as well as regulating hormones and the immune system.
Advert
However, experts are warning an afternoon nap can tiptoe into a grey area as how often you grab a quick doze in the day is linked to mortality.
A new study from Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston analyzed data from almost 90,000 adults which found a solid link between frequent napping and the deterioration of health.
Chenlu Gao, lead investigator of the study, told Medscape Medical News: "Our findings suggest that certain patterns of napping could serve as early indicators of declining health."
The doctor explained: "Longer or more irregular naps may reflect poor nighttime sleep, circadian rhythm disruption, or underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, depression, or early neurodegenerative changes."
That's because those who frequently snatch a long siesta tend to have problems with their body weight, like a larger waist, higher blood pressure and a higher body mass index, which are linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, as per another 2023 study in the Obesity Society's journal.
They also are likely to eat and sleep later than the norm, smoke cigarettes and eat larger lunches.
Another study in 2022 added that people who nap more have a higher risk of developing other concerning conditions, like high blood pressure and stroke.
As for the specific time period, the researchers note naps between 11.00am and 3.00pm are considered the danger zone, though it depends on how long you really rest.
“These findings highlight the potential importance of considering napping behaviors in risk stratification of mortality in middle- to older-aged adults,” the researchers added.
However, it's good news for the power nappers as the research shows those who slept for less than half an hour did not appear to have any increased risk of obesity or other metabolic red flags.
According to the American Sleep Association, people who bag a 15 to 30-minute slumber in the middle of the day can provide a boost to energy, but should not use this to replace good quality nighttime shut eye.
Still, Gao says there were some limitations to the study, like those who had any serious underlying health conditions that can impact sleep pattens.
The expert also highlighted that the link is just that, an association and not necessarily a cause and effect.