Planned versus unintentional napping in the general population: A questionnaire study

A wide literature exists on the associations of napping with positive and negative health and cognition outcomes. However, the possibility that these associations are mediated by the intentionality of napping has never been investigated. Here we conduct an exploratory questionnaire study in the general population on the prevalence of planned napping and unintentional napping (i.e., falling asleep without meaning to) and on the risk factors associated with this latter habit. A sample of 908 participants aged between 18 and91 (M age = 32.6 ± 16.5, 219 M) completed an online survey fromSeptember 2023 to January 2024. The survey included:(a) demographic (e.g., age, gender, body mass index [BMI]), and clinical(e.g., presence of medical, psychiatric disorders, and sleep disorders)questions; (b) 33 ad hoc questions on napping habits; (c) as well as thePittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS), the reduced Morningness Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ),the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), theDepression Anxiety Stress Scales – 21 (DASS-21), and the EysenckPersonality Questionnaire Revised-Short Form (EPQR-S). Out of the total sample, 25% of participants were classified as non-nappers (NN), 45% as nap planners (NP), and 30% as unintentional nappers (NU). Compared to NNs, NPs, and NUs reported higher daytime sleepiness (all's p < 0.001), with NUs also reporting an increased risk of worse subjective sleep quality (p < 0.05). Relative toNPs, NUs reported older age (p < 0.010) and higher BMI (p < 0.050)and were more likely to report excessive daytime sleepiness(p < 0.001), worse subjective sleep quality (p < 0.010), reduced psychological well-being (p < 0.010), and psychoticism traits (p < 0.050). This is the first study to investigate unintentional versus planned napping habits in the general population. In contrast to planned napping, unintentional napping appears associated with several negative outcomes, such as worsened nocturnal sleep quality and reduced psychological well-being. Our data suggest that napping intentionality could be a relevant modulating factor in the relationship between napping and health outcomes. Future studies should address the prevalence and associated risks of unintentional napping in specific at-risk populations (e.g., elderlies, poor sleepers, individuals with specific health conditions).