A study published in JAMA Network Open on April 20, 2026, suggests that napping patterns in older adults may be an indicator of underlying health conditions. The research found that morning naps, as well as longer and more frequent napping, were associated with poorer health outcomes.
The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants with an average age of 81. It concluded that these specific napping behaviors were linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and other health issues, independent of nighttime sleep quality. The findings suggest napping may be a potential early warning sign for clinicians.
Researchers emphasize that not all napping is harmful, but changes in napping habits, especially the timing and duration, warrant medical attention. The study calls for further investigation to understand the causal relationship between napping and health decline in aging populations.
