After a six-year study on heart health and napping, Greek researchers found that people who took a 30-minute nap at least three times a week had a 37 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease. Those who napped at least occasionally had a 34 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease than those who did not nap. An afternoon siesta seemed to offer the most risk reduction to working men: Working men who napped during the day had a 64 percent reduced risk of death compared with a 36 percent reduced risk among nonworking men.
The study included 23,681 men and women between the ages of 20 and 86 who had no history of heart disease.
"This study is unique in its size and prospective nature, looking at the link between taking a siesta, or small nap, at least several times a week and reduction in cardiac risks," says Stanley L. Hazen, M.D., Ph.D., Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation at Cleveland Clinic. "The dramatic reduction in events seen — over 60 percent — in working men suggests that factors related to stress and stress reduction are of major importance in global cardiovascular risks. They also add to the growing appreciation of a physiological link between the heart and the central nervous system — what is becoming known as ‘the heart-brain connection.’ "
If you’re looking to reduce your risk of heart disease, consider sleeping on it.
Web Extra! A Good Night’s Sleep. You know that broken sleep leaves you feeling tired during the day, but did you know it may also aggravate other medical problems? Watch or download this podcast
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 10/1/2007...#13845
