Are Your Naps Too Long?
Are Your Naps Too Long?
The benefits of sleep are legion. Proper sleep helps us deal with stress, reduces blood pressure and improves immunity. But it a 30 minute nap is good, wouldn't a longer nap during the day be even more beneficial? A study to be reported 8 years ago at the American College of Cardiology's 65th Annual Scientific Session sheds light on this question.
"Participants who napped for less than 40 minutes a day had no increased risk of metabolic syndrome (increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels), while those who napped longer than 40 minutes, there was a sharp increase in risk. Those who napped for 90 minutes a day and those with excessive daytime sleepiness, or more, saw increases in metabolic risk by as much as 50%, although a decrease in metabolic risk was observed in those napping less than 30 minutes a day."
So if you must nap, make sure it's a short one for better health!