The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
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Napping patterns and relationships among naps, circadian rhythms, and nocturnal sleep were evaluated in postmenopausal women. Naps and nocturnal sleep were compared between depressed women and healthy volunteers. ⋯ Evening napping, a characteristic of these postmenopausal women, may be related to an advance of circadian rhythms in this age group. Relationships between evening napping and earlier wake-up time may be a common manifestation of advanced circadian rhythms or may be a homeostatic effect.