Johns Hopkins study links frequent napping to dementia risk

A study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that frequent napping in older adults may be associated with an increased risk of possible or probable dementia.

The research followed 995 individuals aged 65 or older for up to ten years, beginning in 2013. Participants who napped most days or daily showed an estimated 48% higher risk of dementia compared to those who rarely or never napped.

Key findings regarding the nature of the sleep include:

• Involuntary napping, where individuals fall asleep without planning to, was associated with a 39% higher risk. • Naps lasting 30 minutes or less were linked to an estimated 40% higher risk.

Researchers noted that these findings do not prove that napping causes dementia. Instead, increased daytime sleepiness may reflect early brain changes or other underlying health issues that contribute to cognitive decline. The study adjusted for various factors, including demographics, overall health, and nighttime sleep patterns.