Longer sleep as we age is linked to a higher chance of death—and so is napping in between, according to the New York Post.

The benefits of daytime sleep are well-known: enjoying an afternoon siesta can keep our brains healthy as we age, and napping has been shown to boost creativity, improve parenting skills, and increase happiness.

Experts have even described the state of bliss achieved after a short nap as being like a baby’s sleep.

But your midday rest habits may also predict how soon you’ll lie down to “rest your eyes” and not get up again.

Previous studies have focused on the link between nighttime sleep and mortality, but have overlooked napping, which is an important part of the sleep-wake cycle and has its own health implications, according to Dr. Chenlu Gao.

But in this new study from the Department of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, researchers analyzed data from more than 86,000 adults and found that sleep habits are also linked to mortality.

"Our findings suggest that some sleep patterns may serve as early indicators of poor health," Gao, the study's lead investigator, told Medscape Medical News.

Longer sleep and a more irregular schedule are associated with a higher risk of mortality.

"Longer or more irregular sleep may reflect poor nighttime sleep, disruption of circadian rhythms, or such comorbid health conditions as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, depression, or early neurodegenerative changes," he explained.

According to a 2023 study published in the journal Obesity Research, people who napped longer had higher body mass index, larger waistlines, higher blood pressure, and an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome—all of which are linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

They were also associated with later bedtimes and mealtimes, greater lunchtime snacking, and cigarette smoking. Those who napped for less than 30 minutes (a power nap) did not appear to have an increased risk of obesity or other metabolic problems.

Another risk factor for death, according to the new study? Napping between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“These findings highlight the potential importance of considering nap behavior in mortality risk stratification in middle-aged and older adults,” the researchers note in their abstract.

According to the American Sleep Association, a 15- to 30-minute mid-afternoon “nap” can boost energy, but “is not intended to replace a night’s sleep.” What’s more, the sleeper risks entering REM sleep, and napping can disrupt nighttime sleep patterns.

Gao and his team acknowledge limitations of their study, such as looking at serious underlying health conditions that affect sleep patterns.

He also stressed that these are just associations—not necessarily cause and effect.

Still, the findings from this latest study echo those of other researchers.

A 2022 study found that, on average, people who sleep more are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure and stroke.

Meanwhile, previous research has shown that irregular sleep can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart disease or stroke, even if you get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night. I BGNES