Boston: A recent study has warned that napping before sunset may increase the risk of death among middle-aged and elderly people. The study highlights concerns about the timing and duration of naps, suggesting that further research is necessary to fully understand the implications.
According to Oman News Agency, the study, published in Sleep journal, indicated increased risks associated with midday and early afternoon naps, challenging the prevailing belief about the benefits of napping. This has sparked interest in the need for a deeper investigation into the potential health impacts of daytime naps.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States conducted an analysis involving more than 86,000 participants. They used small devices to measure sleep duration between 9 am and 7 pm. Findings revealed that the average nap during these hours lasted approximately 24 minutes, with the most common nap times occurring between 9-11 am, while the least common were between 11 am and 1 pm.
The study spanned over 11 years and reported the deaths of more than 5,000 volunteers. The findings indicated that individuals who nap for extended periods, experience disturbed sleep patterns, and sleep in the afternoon and early evening are at a heightened risk of death.