While more and more employees are taking a short, life-saving nap during breaks between noon and 2 p.m., a new study casts doubt on its benefits…
Boosting our intellectual abilities gradually eaten away by our growing sleep debt, naps allow us to regenerate. However, a study published in the journal ‘Hypertension’, makes the possible link between frequent naps and increased risk of hypertension and stroke.
A 12% increased risk of hypertension and a 24% increased risk of stroke
Scientists at Central South University in China compiled medical information from 500,000 English adults aged 40 to 69 between 2006 and 2010. The result shows that among these adults there is a 12% additional risk of hypertension (compared to people who say they never take a nap). Attention, the typical profile of the lover of regular naps of this study is that of a man who smokes and drinks daily and has a lower level of education and income; he is also a victim of insomnia and snoring.
Poor nighttime sleep is associated with poorer health
In the end, he would have a 12% increased risk of hypertension and a 24% increased risk of stroke. The clinical psychologist and sleep expert adds to our colleagues from 20′: “Poor nighttime sleep is associated with poorer health, and naps alone aren’t enough to offset that“, he specifies.
The long nap must remain exceptional
Recall that a siesta short daily nap, 15 to 30 minutes, is rather a good thing for health while the long nap must remain exceptional and is prohibited for insomniacs
