Napping in Older Adults

Napping and subjective feelings of daytime sleepiness are more common among older than among younger adults. This increase in napping is likely caused by changes in nighttime sleep, circadian rhythms, and lifestyle factors. Although a brief sleep period during the day may have some benefit in terms of increased evening alertness, longer periods of daytime sleep may negatively impact nighttime sleep quality and may be associated with negative health outcomes, cognitive impairment, and increased mortality risk among older persons. Additional research is needed on the timing and characteristics of napping among older people and to explore further the mechanisms underlying the relationship between napping and negative health outcomes. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.