Frequent Napping is Associated with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Depression, Pain, and Nocturia in Older Adults: Findings from the National Sleep Foundation '2003 Sleep in America' Poll

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and correlates of regular napping among older adults.

Methods: The National Sleep Foundation's "2003 Sleep in America Poll," a 20-minute telephone interview that focused on the topic of "sleep and aging" (N = 1,506 adults 55-84 years of age).

Results: Overall, 15% of respondents reported regular napping, ranging in prevalence from 10% among those 55-64 years of age to 25% among those 75-84 years of age. In addition to older age and a strong association with excessive daytime sleepiness, other factors that independently increased prevalence included a diagnosis of depression, bodily pain, and nocturia.

Conclusions: Regular napping is common among older adults. Longitudinal studies of napping behavior and health status are needed to establish risk factors other than excessive daytime sleepiness.