Napping spikes among older adults. More than half of adults aged 80 and older report having napped in the past day. Among every other age group in the survey—including both the young (ages 18 to 29) and the older (ages 70 to 79)—about a third reported napping in the past 24 hours. Short naps of no more than 30 minutes during the day can help restore alertness and productivity, making you feel more awake. It’s similar to the effect of drinking a cup of coffee. There’s nothing wrong with taking a nap, but it’s important not to make it too long. It may be helpful to set an alarm for 30 minutes, especially if it’s late in the afternoon, to avoid interfering with your nighttime sleep If you have trouble sleeping at night, it’s generally not recommended to nap during the day, as it can make it harder to fall asleep and get a full 7-9 hours of sleep at night. However, if you feel consistently sleepy during the day, despite getting enough sleep at night, it’s worth investigating why this is happening. A doctor and expert in sleep surgery explains why napping can interfere with your sleep cycle. If you feel excessively sleepy during the day, often falling asleep during meetings or, more dangerously, while driving, it’s important to consult a doctor. Needing to take multiple naps throughout the day could be a sign of sleep problems such as sleep apnea, hypersomnolence, or other sleep disorders. A medical evaluation can help identify and address any underlying issues.
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Thursday, June 26, 2025