Love a daily siesta? Afternoon naps can refresh you, but research shows they may harm health if they exceed an hour.
Afternoon Naps: Not So Simple
Science backs the ideal nap: under 30 minutes to skip deep sleep stages. Now, new evidence highlights another key reason to keep them short.
Key Research on Naps
A 13-year study of 25,000 adults aged 40-79 revealed that daily naps of an hour or more linked to a 32% higher risk of premature death. Among them, 16,000 reported afternoon naps, with data tracked over 13 years.
Premature Death Risks
Long nappers faced elevated mortality from heart disease, cancer, stroke, and respiratory conditions.
Possible Explanations
Extended naps might signal underlying health disruptions or trigger bodily inflammation, per experts.
Safe Napping Tips
Naps under an hour showed no such risks. Rest easy with a short nap, but set an alarm for safety.
Read also: Power Nap in 5 Steps
