Objectively Measured Daytime Napping Patterns and All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults

Are objectively measured daytime nap characteristics, including duration, frequency, variability, and timing, associated with all-cause mortality among community-dwelling older adults?In this prospective cohort study of 1338 adults aged 56 years or older, longer and more frequent daytime napping, as well as morning napping, were associated with higher all-cause mortality. Variability in nap duration was not associated with mortality.The findings suggest longer and more frequent, particularly morning, napping may be a behavioral marker of increased mortality risk in late life, underscoring the potential clinical value of incorporating wearable device–based nap assessments into routine health monitoring.

Corresponding Authors: Chenlu Gao, PhD (cgao6@mgh.harvard.edu), and Peng Li, PhD (pli9@mgh.harvard.edu), Department of Anesthesiology, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th St, Ste 4.013 (Dr C. Gao), Ste 4.015 (Dr Li), Charlestown, MA 02129.

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