Afternoon siestas could possibly signal potential health concerns
Revised Article:
Snoozing off during the day might be more dangerous than you think.
Let's face it, getting a good night's sleep can be a struggle, especially as we age. But dragging yourself onto the couch for a quick siesta may not exactly help matters. That's because a new study indicates that daytime napping, particularly during the afternoon, can be linked to a higher risk of death from any cause.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults aged 18-60 should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to keep their physical and mental health in tip-top shape. And getting the recommended amount of shut-eye can lower your risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even stroke.
But as we age, catching those precious Z's can become increasingly elusive. This might leave you reaching for the snooze button during the day to make up for lost sleep. However, research suggests that, in older adults, daytime napping – especially around the middle of the day – might be more detrimental than helpful.
In a study presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS), researchers examined data from over 86,000 participants in the UK Biobank. Participants wore a sleep-tracking device for seven days to monitor their sleeping and waking times, and the researchers looked at the frequency, timings, and durations of their naps.
They found that those who died during the eight-year follow-up were more likely to take longer naps, have more variable nap times, and tend to nap during the midday hours (11 am-3 pm). However, the study cannot definitively prove that napping is the cause of increased mortality; it may be an indicator of underlying health issues.
Associate Professor of Neuropsychology at Oxford Brookes University and lead author of the study, Paulemplates, Ph.D., cautioned that, "While our data provides suggestive evidence for a link between daytime napping and mortality, it's crucial to note that further research is needed to establish causation."
So, if you have a habit of snoozing off during the day, it may be worth reconsidering your napping habits. And if you're struggling to get a good night's sleep, don't despair. Try implementing a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, increasing daytime sunlight exposure, managing any medical conditions that might disrupt sleep, and treating any underlying sleep disorders or issues like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Regular exercise can also help promote better sleep, just avoid working out too close to bedtime.
Overall, while taking a quick nap to recharge when necessary won't do any harm, excessive or irregular daytime napping – especially in middle-aged and older adults – may be a red flag for underlying health issues. If you find that you're needing naps more often, it might be worth having a chat with your doctor to rule out any potential underlying health concerns.
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- As we age and confront aging-related health issues, maintaining good cardiovascular health becomes crucial, as it reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
- Daytime napping can pose challenges for seniors, particularly during the afternoon, potentially increasing the risk of death from various medical-conditions, including chronic kidney disease, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
- Prioritizing general health, such as eye-health, goes hand in hand with overall health and wellness, as proper nutrition plays an essential role in keeping the body functioning optimally.
- Science continues to explore the intricacies of sleep and its impact on aging and longevity, with new research suggesting that daytime napping might indicate underlying health issues.
- Implementing good sleep hygiene practices, such as adhering to a consistent sleep schedule and minimizing caffeine and alcohol consumption, can help older adults attain better sleep quality and reduce the need for excessive daytime napping.
- The link between daytime napping and increased mortality, as shown in some studies, may not be definitive but can serve as a warning to review one's napping habits in middle-aged and older adults.
- In order to ensure optimal sleep and overall health, managing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome is essential, as these conditions can disrupt sleep quality.
- To maintain optimum health, it's essential to attend to both aging-related health concerns and overall health and wellness, including sleep, cardiovascular health, nutrition, and exercise, based on scientific research and medical advice.
