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Written By: Agencies | Updated : August 31, 2015 11:36 AM IST
A nap during the day is too dangerous for your health ©Shutterstock
Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Maybe it's time you start taking afternoon naps. A new study has revealed that it can lower blood pressure levels and decrease the number of required anti-hypertensive medications. The study included 386 middle aged patients with arterial hypertension. The following measurements were performed in all patients: midday sleep time, office BP, 24 hour ambulatory BP, pulse wave velocity, two lifestyle habits, body mass index (BMI) and a complete echo-cardiographic evaluation, including left atrial size. Just an half hour nap during the day has multiple benefits!
The researchers found that midday sleepers had five percent lower average 24 hour ambulatory systolic BP compared to patients who did not sleep at all midday. Their average systolic BP readings were four percent lower when they were awake (5 mmHg) and six percent lower while they slept at night (7 mmHg) than non-midday sleepers. A quick afternoon nap is actually good for you!
Manolis Kallistratos of the Asklepieion Voula General Hospital said that reductions as small as 2 mmHg in systolic blood pressure could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by up to ten percent. He added that their study showed that not only was midday sleep associated with lower blood pressure, but longer sleeps were even more beneficial. Kallistratos concluded that midday sleep was associated with lower 24 hour blood pressure, an enhanced fall of BP in night, and less damage to the arteries and the heart. Here's why your boss should let you nap in office.
News source: ANI
Image source: Getty Images
