Experts have long noted the positive effects of afternoon naps on health. However, the authors of the latest study, published in April 2023 in the journal Obesity, link siesta lasting 30 minutes or more to weight gain and increased blood pressure. Should we then give up daytime sleep?
The siesta, or nap after dinner, is a common practice in many countries, especially those with hot climates. Scientists have repeatedly pointed to the beneficial effects of daytime sleep, reducing stress levels and improving concentration during the rest of the day. Even companies like Google and NASA have introduced special rooms where employees can take a nap during the day. A new study has shown that how much sleep we get is critical.
Rest, but no more than 30 minutes
A study of more than 3,000 people in the Spanish region of Murcia linked a siesta of 30 minutes or more to an increase in BMI (body mass index) and high blood pressure. People who slept longer than 30 minutes had a higher BMI than those who didn’t. Siesta is also associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased waist circumference, elevated blood glucose, as well as the incidence of metabolic syndrome and various conditions associated with heart disease and diabetes.
It’s better to take a nap in a chair than in bed
The study also showed that lifestyle factors such as late sleep, smoking and overeating can contribute to metabolic changes and, at the same time, increase the duration of the siesta. it turned out that the place where the dream takes place is also important. According to the researchers, siesta in bed has a greater impact on the occurrence of cardiovascular events, in contrast to napping in a chair, which researchers have associated with less change in body position when sitting.
Is it worth taking a nap?
Based on the above findings and previous research on the beneficial effects of daytime naps, it’s a good idea to go to bed after dinner, but no more than 25 minutes. Optimal sleep is 20 minutes, then the body has a chance to regenerate, but this does not threaten the transition to a deeper phase of sleep, after which we are stunned for several hours. Such a dream will not disturb the rhythm of the day and will not cause problems with falling asleep in the evening.
The authors of the study emphasize that further analysis of the relationship between the duration of daytime sleep and obesity is needed. In addition, research is needed to see if lower calorie intake at lunch reduces the harmful effects of long sleep on obesity and blood pressure.
Source: Wprost
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