A new study from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital indicates that certain napping habits may be linked to increased mortality risk among adults.

The research tracked over 86,000 adults, averaging 63 years old, for 11 years, using wearable devices to objectively monitor their napping patterns.

Findings suggest that longer naps, particularly those exceeding 30 minutes, irregular napping schedules, and midday naps between 11 am and 3 pm correlate with higher all-cause mortality.

Long naps have been associated with a 19-30% higher risk of death and heart disease, while irregular naps can disrupt circadian rhythms and indicate health problems.

The study's lead researcher, Chenlu Gao, noted that these napping patterns might signal underlying health issues such as poor nighttime sleep, circadian rhythm disruption, or chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease.

The research emphasizes the importance of nap duration, timing, and consistency, suggesting that brief, regular naps may be beneficial, while longer and erratic naps should be approached with caution.

Experts recommend keeping naps to 15-30 minutes, maintaining a consistent napping schedule, and consulting a doctor if experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue at night.

The study highlights that napping habits could function as early indicators of declining health, urging individuals to consider not just if they nap, but how they nap.