Ever feel like naptime is wasted on the young? Here’s a reason to get back on that preschool schedule: Napping may lower your risk of heart attacks.
A team of researchers in Greece analyzed data from a longitudinal study tracking the napping habits of over 20,000 Greek men and women (siestas are the norm in the Mediterranean). Researchers found that people who took the occasional short nap had a 12 percent lower rate of heart-related deaths than the average non-napper.
Even more striking? Regular nappers (those napping for at least 30 minutes, three or more times a week) had a 37 percent lower risk of heart-related death. Napping benefits were greatest among working men. (Working women weren’t tested, but those benefits would likely apply to anyone working long hours.)
Bottom line: Sneaking in siestas may lower your risk of heart disease. Enjoy that nap, guilt-free!
