A study by researchers in the US has found that certain nap patterns in older adults could be a warning sign. The researchers found that excessive napping, particularly in the morning, is associated with higher mortality rates for older adults. This could signal underlying or developing health problems and potentially be a trackable metric for early detection. The study is the first to show an association between objectively measured nap patterns and mortality, suggesting the potential clinical value in tracking napping patterns to detect health conditions early. Previous research has also linked frequent napping with specific health problems, but the relationship remains poorly understood. Despite the strong evidence for a link between naps and illness, there are still key questions about the association.