Afternoon siesta improves heart health

Researchers who studied the siesta habits of nearly 24,000 Greeks over a six-year period have found napping is beneficial to heart health.

Participants who regularly took at least three naps of 30 minutes or more every week had a 37% reduced risk of death from heart disease.

Even occasional short napping of less than 30 minutes was associated with a 12% decrease in risk.

It seems the naps may help to reduce levels of stress hormones related to inflammation and damaged blood vessels in the body.

What better reason for an afternoon nap!

Sources: New Scientist, 12 February 2007 and Archives of Internal Meeicine, 12 February 2007