A new study shows that napping during the day can be not only unhealthy but also extremely dangerous to our health.
Daytime naps are extremely common, and several studies have repeatedly noted their benefits to the body. However, the Financial Express writes that a new study by scientists suggests that such sleep can lead to very serious health problems, and sometimes even increase the risk of stroke by 5 times.
The results of a new study led by scientists from the University Hospital Juan Ramon Jimenez (Spain) show that 30 minutes or more of daytime sleep is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation.
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Atrial fibrillation is a condition caused by poor blood flow that results in an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. Note that this violation is one of the most common in the world – in total, more than 40 million people suffer from it in different parts of the world. At the same time, the results of the study show that people with such an arrhythmia have a 5-fold higher risk of stroke than their healthy peers.
Study author Dr. According to Jesús Diaz-Gutierrez, the results of the study show that daytime naps should be less than half an hour. What’s more, scientists strongly discourage people with sleep disorders from using siesta as a way to compensate for their lack of sleep.
The researchers note that the results of the study suggest that sleep patterns may play a role in the development of atrial fibrillation. However, to date, this study is the only one of its kind to examine the association of daytime sleepiness with the development of arrhythmias and increased risk of stroke.
During the study, the scientists used data from the University of Navarra’s Research Project. In total, the scientists used data from about 20.5 thousand recipients who initially did not have atrial fibrillation. In addition, research participants completed the relevant questionnaire every two years, during which the scientists collected the following data:
- socio-demographic (age, gender, working hours);
- health status (cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease including atrial fibrillation);
- lifestyle (daytime sleep, bad habits, diets, watching TV);
- height and weight.
In addition, the subjects were divided into three groups according to the duration of their daytime naps in the first stage:
- lack of daytime sleep;
- daytime sleep less than 30 minutes;
- sleeping more than 30 minutes during the day.
Note that the appearance of atrial fibrillation was first reported by the subjects and then the data was validated by a cardiologist expert committee. After adjusting for the information collected in the questionnaire, the risk of atrial fibrillation based on daytime sleep duration was analyzed.
Next, the researchers examined the relationship between daytime sleep duration and the development of arrhythmias. The results of the study show that the optimal duration of daytime sleep is from 15 to 30 minutes – in this case, the person does not succumb to the risk of developing arrhythmias and strokes.
The scientists note that more research will be needed to understand what is more beneficial – the absence of daytime sleepiness, or its duration of up to 30 minutes. But researchers already know that short naps can improve circadian rhythm, lower blood pressure and even reduce stress.
Previously Focus He wrote that scientists are describing how to improve sleep to live longer.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.