Naps Could Be Linked to Increased Risk of Death
Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)
A recent study published in the Sleep Journal found that taking a nap before sunset could increase the risk of death in middle-aged and older adults. The research, conducted by Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, contradicts claims that napping is beneficial. The researchers studied over 86,000 people for 11 years using small sleep monitors between 9 am and 7 pm and found that daytime naps typically lasted about 24 minutes. The most common time for a nap during the day was between 9 and 11 am, while the least common time was between 11 am and 1 pm. In the study, which tracked over 5,000 voluntary deaths, it was found that frequent long naps (over 30 minutes) were associated with a higher mortality rate. The study also revealed that those who took irregular naps daily also had an increased risk of death. These findings remained unchanged even after accounting for factors such as age, gender, BMI, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption. Although further research is needed, the study guidelines recommend that adults limit their afternoon nap to 20 to 30 minutes.