Taking a short nap in the afternoon can be refreshing and could re-energise to perform better during the day. It is now known that afternoon naps could improve the functioning of the brain, increase alertness, improve performance at tasks and reduce the chances of mistakes or accidents. A recent research study has found that afternoon naps may also have a protective effect on heart health.
The study published in the journal Heart observed 3500 people in Switzerland who did not have heart disease. The participants were of age 35-75 years and their sleep and napping patterns were recorded for a week. The participants were then monitored for their heart health for 5 years.
The results showed that 19 per cent people who took afternoon naps for once or twice a week had 48 per cent lower risk of having a heart attack or stroke than people who did not take a nap at all.
People who took afternoon naps for five to seven times a week were found to have several factors impacting their heart health such as cholesterol levels, age, daytime sleepiness or obstructive sleep apnoea (a sleep condition in which the throat muscles temporarily relax and cause an obstruction in breathing during the sleep, leading to snoring). The study found no link between the duration of the nap and its impact on heart health. It is advised to consult your physician for an annual check-up of your health parameters.
