Excessive Daytime Sleep Linked to Higher Mortality Risk, Study Finds

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed a concerning link between sleep patterns and mortality risk among older adults.

Researchers found that unusual changes in daytime sleep habits, particularly excessive napping, may serve as an early warning sign of serious health issues, including neurodegeneration and cardiovascular decline.

The study was conducted by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital and Rush University Medical Center, using data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project.

Unlike traditional studies, researchers used advanced wearable devices known as actigraphy to objectively monitor sleep and activity patterns of 1,338 older adults over a period of 19 years.

Lead author Dr. Chenlu Gao, a sleep disorders specialist, reported that each additional hour of daytime sleep was associated with a 13% increase in mortality risk. Notably, individuals who napped in the morning had a 30% higher risk of death compared to those who slept later in the day.

Experts believe that such changes reflect disruptions in the body’s internal biological clock, often linked to underlying conditions like neurodegeneration or cardiovascular issues.

The study concludes that monitoring sleep patterns in older adults can provide valuable insights into their future health risks. Researchers recommend integrating wearable health devices into clinical assessments to detect early warning signs and prevent serious outcomes.