A new study has found that taking one or two short naps per week can reduce stress levels and improve overall health. However, frequent napping may be a sign of underlying health problems. The University of Tokyo conducted a study in 2016 which found that a nap of less than 30 minutes can reduce the risk of developing a metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, a nap of more than 90 minutes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50%. The researchers concluded that napping for no more than three hours per week is ideal.
Recently, a study published in the journal Heart by researchers at the University Hospital of Lausanne found that taking two naps per week can reduce the risk of heart disease, such as stroke and heart attack, by 50%. The study followed 3,262 participants between the ages of 35 and 75 for eight years. During this time, 155 participants developed heart disease. The researchers found that those who took one or two naps per week had a 48% lower risk of heart disease. This risk reduction remained even after accounting for other factors such as smoking, pre-existing conditions, age, and diet. However, the researchers did not find a reduction in heart disease risk for those over the age of 65, who may already have underlying health problems that cannot be compensated for by napping.
It is important to note that the study only shows a correlation between napping and reduced risk of heart disease, and cannot prove causation. Additionally, the study found that those who took more than two naps per week had more health problems, but the researchers believe this is due to underlying health issues rather than the napping itself. Overall, the researchers suggest that napping can improve cardiovascular health by reducing stress and compensating for poor nighttime sleep.
