Roundup: Long or Frequent Naps Could Be a Health Concern for Adults Over 50; and More News

Talking Long or Frequent Naps may be a Health Warning Sign, New Research Reveals

Certain napping patterns — especially longer, more frequent, and morning naps— may be linked to a higher risk of death over time, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open.

Researchers followed 1,338 adults aged 56 and older for up to 19 years, with an average follow-up of about 8 years. Participants lived independently in the community and wore a wrist device (called an actigraph, which tracks movement to estimate sleep) for about 10 days. This allowed researchers to objectively measure napping habits rather than relying on self-reports.

The study focused on four nap characteristics:

• Duration (how long naps lasted)
• Frequency (how often naps occurred)
• Timing (when naps happened during the day)
• Variability (how much nap length changed from day to day)

The main outcome was all-cause mortality, meaning death from any cause.

Key findings

Over the study period, about 69 percent of participants died. After accounting for factors like age, health conditions, physical activity, and nighttime sleep, several patterns stood out:

• Longer naps were associated with higher mortality risk. Each additional hour of daily napping increased risk by about 13 percent.
• More frequent naps also raised risk. Each extra daily nap increased risk by about 7 percent.
• Morning naps (between roughly 9 a.m. and early afternoon) were linked to a 30 percent higher risk of death compared with early afternoon naps.
• Variability in nap duration—how much nap length changed from day to day—was not associated with mortality.

What does this mean?

Importantly, this study does not prove that napping causes earlier death. Instead, napping patterns may act as a marker of underlying health issues. For example, excessive daytime sleepiness could reflect conditions such as poor nighttime sleep, chronic illness, depression, or early neurodegenerative disease (conditions that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s).

Morning napping, in particular, may signal disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythm—the internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles.

Previous studies relied on people recalling their own nap habits, which can be inaccurate. By using wearable devices, this study provides more reliable data and highlights how everyday behaviors can offer clues about overall health.

Practical takeaways

For most people, occasional short naps—especially in the early afternoon—are unlikely to be harmful and may even be beneficial. However, consistently needing long or frequent naps, or feeling sleepy early in the day, could warrant attention.

If you or a loved one notice increasing daytime sleepiness, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. Monitoring sleep patterns—potentially with wearable devices—could become a useful tool in identifying early signs of health changes.

Researchers conclude that napping itself isn’t necessarily the problem, but changes in napping habits may be a signal worth paying attention to.

Many Young Adults Fall Short on Physical Activity, National Poll Finds

A new national poll highlights a growing concern for parents: many young adults are not getting enough physical activity as they transition into independence after high school. The findings, from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, suggest that this life stage may be a critical turning point for long-term health habits.

Activity Levels Drop After High School

According to the poll, only about one in four parents describe their adult child (ages 18–25) as “very active,” while 41 percent say their child is “moderately active.” Notably, nearly one in three parents report their child is minimally active or completely inactive. These figures point to a significant decline compared to adolescence, when structured sports and school-based exercise are more common.

The types of activity young adults engage in also shift with age. Younger individuals (18–20) are more likely to participate in organized sports or recreational “active fun” like dancing or skating. By contrast, those aged 21–25 tend to rely more on gym workouts or physical activity tied to their jobs. This change may reflect fewer social opportunities for exercise, which can reduce motivation.

Time, Interest, and Screen Use Create Barriers

Parents cite several barriers that make it difficult for young adults to stay active. The most common is lack of time, reported by 36 percent of parents. Other challenges include lack of interest (23 percent), screen time or gaming (17 percent), and not having a partner to exercise with (13 percent). For those already inactive, lack of interest and screen use are especially significant obstacles.

Despite these challenges, most parents are trying to help. Nearly three-quarters say they offer verbal encouragement, while others suggest activities, participate alongside their child, or even pay for fitness-related options. However, parents of less active young adults often report that these efforts are not very effective.

Long-Term Health Concerns and Missed Opportunities

The concern goes beyond daily habits. Parents of inactive young adults are far more likely to believe their child’s lifestyle could lead to future health problems, and some worry it may even affect job prospects. These concerns reflect the broader importance of physical activity for overall well-being.

Experts suggest that making exercise enjoyable and social may help improve participation. Activities done with friends or family can boost motivation and consistency. Even small changes—such as adding movement to daily routines—may help build lasting habits.

The poll also highlights a gap in healthcare discussions: only about one in four parents report that a provider has addressed physical activity with their young adult in recent years. Encouraging these conversations could play an important role in helping young adults adopt healthier lifestyles during a pivotal stage of life.

New Study: Drinking Coffee Regularly Affects Your Gut Bacteria — and May Benefit Your Brain

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, often praised for boosting energy and focus. But new research suggests its effects go far beyond a morning pick-me-up. A new study published in Nature Communications explores how habitual coffee drinking influences the gut microbiome — the community of bacteria living in your digestive system — and how this may improve shape brain function and behavior.

The Gut–Brain Connection Explained

The “microbiota–gut–brain axis” refers to the two-way communication between the gut and the brain. Gut bacteria produce chemicals (called metabolites) that can affect mood, memory, and stress responses. In turn, the brain can influence digestion and gut health.

What the Study Found

Researchers compared regular coffee drinkers with non-drinkers, and tracked changes during a period of coffee abstinence and reintroduction. They found that coffee significantly altered the composition of gut bacteria. Certain bacterial species increased in coffee drinkers, while some beneficial compounds—like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter linked to relaxation—were reduced.

Interestingly, these effects were not solely due to caffeine. Even decaffeinated coffee caused changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting that other compounds in coffee, such as polyphenols (plant-based antioxidants), also play a role.

Effects on Mood and Thinking

Behaviorally, coffee drinkers showed higher levels of impulsivity and emotional reactivity compared to non-drinkers. However, both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee were linked to improvements in mood, including reduced stress and depression scores.

Cognitive effects varied:

• Caffeinated coffee was associated with reduced anxiety and improved attention.
• Decaffeinated coffee showed benefits for memory, sleep quality, and physical activity.

This suggests that different types of coffee may offer distinct mental health benefits.

What Happens When You Stop Drinking Coffee?

After just two weeks without coffee, participants experienced changes in gut bacteria and improvements in impulsivity and emotional reactivity. Some of the microbiome changes reversed, showing that coffee’s effects are at least partly reversible.

Regular coffee drinking — in moderation — has long been linked to health benefits, including lower risks of heart disease and certain neurological conditions. This study adds a new layer of understanding by showing how coffee interacts with the gut microbiome—a key player in overall health.

The Bottom Line

Both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions have potential benefits, but they affect the body differently. As always, moderation matters, experts stress. Individual responses to coffee can vary based on genetics, gut microbiome, and overall lifestyle. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or experiencing sleep issues, decaf might offer some of the benefits without the drawbacks.