Daily naps can harm health - study

Medical expert warns: daytime naps can undermine nighttime sleep quality and worsen well-being by disrupting natural sleep mechanisms, stated sleep medicine expert Jing Wang.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to Women's Health, the expert explained that afternoon rest can create "sleep pressure," which makes evening falling asleep problematic. The effect intensifies with prolonged or regular daytime naps, as the body begins to need less nighttime rest.

The specialist noted that a constant need to nap during the day often signals serious sleep disorders. Among the possible causes of this condition, she indicated obstructive apnea, narcolepsy, and other disorders in which a person experiences chronic fatigue even after seemingly normal night sleep.

At the same time, Jing Wang clarified that short daytime rest lasting 20-30 minutes may be beneficial in some situations. However, it should never become a substitute for proper nighttime sleep. For those who regularly need daytime rest, the doctor strongly advises consulting a specialist to identify the true causes.