Is Napping Good For You? New Study Links Napping To Decreased Risk Of Heart Issues

A new study published by the Heart Medical Journal points to new benefits of napping for adults. The results of the study found in adults 35-75 years of age that 1-2 daytime naps per week resulted in a “significantly lower risk” of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some of the specific diseases tracked included heart disease and stroke.

No link was found between more frequent napping and cases of CVD. In adjusted models, no benefits or detriments were found in subjects who reported napping 6-7 times a week.

“There is controversy regarding the effect of napping on cardiovascular disease (CVD), with most studies failing to consider napping frequency,” the study’s mission statement reads. “We aimed to assess the relationship of napping frequency and average nap duration with fatal and non-fatal CVD events.”

No link was found between the duration of these naps and cases of CVD.

“Subjects who nap once or twice per week have a lower risk of incident CVD events,” the study’s conclusion stated. “While no association was found for more frequent napping or napping duration.”

In dissecting the underlying cause of these findings, the study put forward two potential explanations. These occasional naps might help compensate for insufficient sleep during the night, which can lead to an increased risk of CVD. Also, naps can reduce stress, another cause of the conditions tracked by the study.