New Study Reveals That Daytime Naps May Be A Sign Of Serious Health Problems

InnovationHealthcareNew Study Reveals That Daytime Naps May Be A Sign Of Serious Health ProblemsByDr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.D., J.D.,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Sai writes about healthcare, innovation and technology.Follow AuthorApr 25, 2026, 10:49am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Excessive napping may be a sign of more serious metabolic health issues.gettyFor centuries, daytime naps or “power-sleeps” throughout the day have been a prevalent part of the human experience across cultures and the globe as an opportunity to rejuvenate and reset one’s energy levels. New research, however, indicates that the nuance behind this matters. A prospective cohort study published earlier this week in JAMA Network, which analyzed nearly 1300+ patients, found that longer day time nap durations and more frequent naps were associated with increased rates of all cause mortality. The authors found a dose-response association: “individuals taking short naps (<1 hour) showed no significant increase in mortality risk, whereas long naps (≥1 hour) were associated with a higher mortality risk.”The authors cite that one of the primary reasons for the increased mortality risk may be related to cardiovascular health; sleep disruption, circadian issues and overall poor metabolic health may manifest as more frequent bouts of fatigue, causing the sensation of wanting to nap. Hence, the association may be a relationship between poorer metabolic health and cardiovascular risk factors leading to excessive napping. Additionally, sleep apnea is a common cause of poor overnight sleep, often leading individuals to experience excessive fatigue during daytime hours and the desire to catch up on sleep. Sleep apnea can devolve into a very serious condition; the Mayo Clinic explains that without treatment, it can actually lead to severe mortality risk factors, in...