Cheeky 12pm habit Aussies need to stop
According to the research published in the journal Sleep, data from wearable activity trackers showed that nap duration and timing were related to increased all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults.
Specifically, naps taken around the middle of the day were linked to a higher risk of death.
This development brings scientists closer to understanding whether certain napping habits should raise concerns about a person's health.
'Our study fills a gap in knowledge by showing that not just whether someone naps, but how long, how variable, and when they nap during the day may be meaningful indicators of future health risk,' said lead study author Chenlu Gao, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, told Health.
'Past studies have relied on self-reported nap habits, which are subject to recall bias.'
Study links naps with mortality
According to Mrs Gao, numerous studies have explored the link between night-time sleep and mortality.
However, she and her colleagues have 'long been interested in understanding daytime napping and its impact on health'.
'We saw a critical need to investigate whether objectively assessed napping behaviours are associated with longevity,' she explained.
The team analysed data from 86,565 non-shift working adults, aged 43 to 79 (with an average of 63), who were part of the UK Biobank, a comprehensive biomedical database.
Fifty-seven per cent of these participants were women.
They wore a device that tracked their rest and activity levels for seven days, with napping defined as any sleep occurring between 9am and 7pm.
During the 11-year follow-up period, 5819 of the study participants had died.
Researchers identified a higher risk of death associated with three factors: longer naps, greater day-to-day variability in nap length, and more naps around noon and early afternoon.
These associations remained true even after adjusting for factors such as body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and overnight sleep duration.
While the study established a correlation between different napping habits and mortality, it is crucial to note that it did not prove that napping causes an increased risk of death.
It is also uncertain whether these findings apply to the general population.
Why might napping be linked to mortality?
Currently, as there is no definitive evidence that naps directly cause increased mortality, sleep experts are examining the research for clues — and some suggest that the underlying reasons for napping may be more relevant.
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea or medical conditions that drain energy, like heart disease, could actually be the underlying cause of the nap-mortality connection.
The study did attempt to account for lifestyle factors, but it remains difficult to control for undiagnosed medical conditions.
Other experts propose that long, irregular midday naps could influence health by disrupting circadian rhythms, which are the body's internal sleep-wake cycles.
This disruption could affect various factors that influence mortality, such as inflammation, metabolism, and cardiovascular health.
Should we nap?
If you feel the need to nap, experts recommend aiming for less than 30 minutes, as this allows you to feel refreshed and energised without experiencing grogginess.
Napping earlier in the day can also help prevent your nap from interfering with your ability to sleep at night.
If you find yourself napping more frequently or for longer periods, you should consult your doctor.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Australia's meth, cocaine, MDMA and heroin consumption up by 34 per cent
Australians consumed 34 per cent more methylamphetamine (meth), cocaine, heroin and MDMA in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the latest wastewater survey. The annual National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program shows Australians consumed 22.2 tonnes of the four drugs between August 2023 and 2024. The combined drugs had an estimated street value of $11.5 billion, with meth accounting for $8.9 billion, or 78 per cent. The annual survey covered 57 per cent of the country and monitored for: Alcohol and nicotine remained the most consumed lawful drugs in the latest findings. While alcohol consumption has increased, nicotine consumption has decreased. Cannabis also remained the most consumed illicit drug, with higher consumption in regional areas compared to capital cities. Capital cities had higher average consumption of cocaine, MDMA, heroin and ketamine than regional areas. Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) CEO Heather Cook said serious and organised crime remains an enduring threat to Australia's national security and safety. "This increase reflects, in part, the recovery of these illicit drug markets following the impact of COVID-19 restrictions," she said. Cocaine had the highest increase in consumption at 69 per cent, followed by MDMA at 49 per cent, meth at 21 per cent and heroin at 14 per cent. "The 2.2 tonne increase in national meth consumption is concerning because 12.8 tonnes is the highest annual level recorded by the program and the drug causes significant community harm," Ms Cook said. "Similarly, there has been a large increase in national cocaine consumption, also to the highest annual level recorded by our wastewater program." Heroin also had the highest annual level of consumption. Drug consumption has increased across all states and territories. According to the report, the Northern Territory has seen the highest increase in meth, cocaine and MDMA consumption, while Tasmania had the highest increase in heroin use. ACIC data modelling suggests the increases in drug consumption for meth, cocaine and MDMA are likely to continue to 2027, though most likely not at the same rate seen last year. It also suggests heroin consumption is unlikely to change significantly in the next two years.
ABC News
4 hours ago
- ABC News
A second chance at life sees siblings represent Australia at World Transplant Games
The bond between siblings, 18-year-old Emma and 20-year-old Jacob Evans, is incredibly strong, forged from a life filled with sickness. Both were born with an autoimmune condition that put their life expectancy at only 30 years old. "Stat1 gain of function really did rule our lives for our entire childhoods," Emma told ABC Sport. "We spent our lives going in and out of hospital for treatments, medication trials, everything you can imagine." The condition, which had already claimed the lives of some of their family members, meant their immune systems didn't function correctly, and they couldn't fight off some infections. It's a heartbreaking prospect for any parent. Emma and Jacob's father, Steve Evans, described those trying years as horrendous. "We didn't know what the future looked like," he said. In 2020, Jacob underwent groundbreaking treatment, with Emma following almost exactly a year later. "After the bone marrow transplant, I started as a fresh new baby," Jacob said "I now have a very healthy immune system that's functioning the same as everyone else's." "It was quite scary watching Emma go through something that I'd been through, because I knew how bad of an experience it was, you do feel quite unwell." Due to the transplants, Emma and Jacob's futures are now longer, healthier, and filled with opportunities. "These two incredible people have built resilience, have built coping skills, are each other's best friends," Mr Evans said. "They are so driven to not be defined by what has happened in the past, but to forge a future for themselves that doesn't involve sickness, it just involves health and happiness." And that's exactly what they're doing now. This year the siblings are representing Australia at the World Transplant Games being held in Germany. They are teaming up in the six-a-side soccer, with Emma also competing in the 5 kilometre road race and Jacob teeing off in the golf. Getting to wear the green and gold is a dream come true, whether he medals or not, Jacob told ABC Sport. "It's actually going to be quite surreal, putting on the jacket for the first time … walking into the stadium, like you see the Olympians doing, with the flag bearer at the front and all the different countries," he said. "It'll be a moment to take in, for sure." The World Transplant Games aren't just creating opportunities for Emma and Jacob; they have been creating community and connection for transplant recipients, donors and their families since 1978. The aim of the Games is to promote education about the success of transplant surgery for the recipient, and the need for increases in organ donation. The Games are held every two years, with Australia having hosted the event three times, in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and more recently in Perth in 2023. Chris Thomas, the CEO of Transplant Australia, told ABC Sport that for transplant patients who have faced their own mortality, the Games are a chance to celebrate their life. "It's a wonderful way for people who have had that second chance to demonstrate what that means to them on the sporting field, whether it's in the swimming pool, out on the athletic track, or even on the petanque field," he said. At this year's Games, up to 2,500 athletes will be welcomed from 55 countries, ranging in age from four to over 80. The benefits of competing in sport are important for transplant recipients, Mr Thomas said, as maintaining an active lifestyle maintains their health during recovery. There are 17 sports the athletes can compete in, with qualification for the Games managed by member associations in each country. Mr Thomas said, in Australia, as long as you have had a solid organ transplant or bone marrow transplant, you are welcome to join the team, while living donors and donor family members also have their own category. "We want it to be inclusive," Mr Thomas said. Emma and Jacob have been training hard for the Games, with Emma undertaking multiple cardio and running sessions a week, Jacob spending time hitting the golf ball at his local club and together kicking the soccer ball around their local park. Incredibly proud of all that they are achieving, their parents will be in Germany to cheer them on. "We're going to have tears in our eyes, but they're going to be tears of joy," Mr Evans said. For Jacob and Emma, the World Transplant Games isn't just about the sport, it's about meeting new friends and recognising the impact that organ donation has on people's lives. "My donor still has such a special impact on my life," Emma said. Do you have a story idea about women in sport? Email us abcsport5050@ "I have my [transplant] date tattooed on my wrist and every single time I look down at it, it is just such a good reminder of what he gave me, the sacrifice he made for me and the impact he has every single day because I simply would not be here without [it]." The World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany runs from August 17 to 24.
ABC News
15 hours ago
- ABC News
Queensland chief health officer appointment scrapped for second time
The Queensland government says it wasn't "confident" a doctor was suitable to be the state's chief health officer, despite him being offered the position a second time. Dr Krispin Hajkowicz was appointed to the job in 2021 but resigned shortly after, citing "personal reasons". Sources have confirmed to the ABC that he was recently offered the role again following a lengthy recruitment process. It's understood that a corporate head shot was arranged and a media release regarding the appointment was drafted by Queensland Health. The offer was then rescinded. A spokesperson for Queensland Health said a campaign to recruit for the role was undertaken, "however, no appointment was made". "A renewed campaign to recruit a permanent Chief Health Officer was launched on Friday 8 August." The international recruitment campaign advertises the role as earning up to $431,000 per annum. In a statement, a government spokesperson said the job "is a very forward-facing leadership role". "The government is not confident that the stability and longevity Queenslanders expect in this role has yet been met and the recruitment process is ongoing." Dr Hajkowicz declined to comment on questions from the ABC. Queensland has been without a permanent CHO since December, after Dr John Gerrard stepped down after three years. Dr Hajkowicz's wife, Dr Sarah Martin, made a submission to parliament over the Victoria Park Stadium and planning legislation, before his job offer. It related to laws that exempt 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure from major planning rules, to ensure projects aren't held up by potential legal challenges. In her submission, Dr Martin strongly opposed the legislation. "The Crisafulli government's plan to override the rights of the individual Queenslanders to make life easier for politicians and developers is right out of the Joh Bjelke-Petersen playbook. "Exempting this development from public scrutiny and removing the right of Queenslanders to protest via the courts is a very concerning proposition and makes the risk of corruption very likely." She went on to allege that the Bill proposed to remove "the right to protest this development in the courts" and was "out of the fascist playbook". The government said it was not aware of the submission during the recruitment process. Deputy opposition leader Cameron Dick said the government had "questions to answer" over the recruitment.. "I think this whole process stinks," he said. "This is so opaque, lacking in clarity, lacking in transparency, that every Queenslander should be deeply concerned about what the process was. "What has happened, and why has an eminently qualified medical specialist who ticked all the boxes been rubbed out by the LNP for a very important job, particularly as we go through one of the worst flu seasons in recent history?" Mr Dick said the opposition was considering further steps it could take regarding independent investigations into the matter.
