Daytime Napping Proves to Be a Warning Signal: What Scientists Have Discovered 0 11

What could be more pleasant than a daytime nap? However, a large-scale study by scientists that lasted nearly 20 years has shown that a regular desire to lie down during the day may not just be fatigue, but a precursor to serious health problems.

What Scientists Have Discovered

Researchers from Mass General Brigham and Rush University analyzed data from thousands of volunteers over two decades. The main conclusion: daytime napping is not inherently bad, but its structure and regularity are critically important. The scientists attempted to attribute the results to insomnia or chronic illnesses of the subjects, but even after excluding these factors, the link between prolonged daytime napping and the risk of death remained unchanged.

The Most Destructive Nap

It turns out that not all types of napping are the same. The most destructive for the body is the morning nap (before noon). Those who enjoy sleeping during these hours have a 30% higher chance of premature death compared to those who opt for a classic short rest after lunch. Each additional attempt to lie down during the day also adds 7% to the overall risk.

A Marker of Exhaustion

Scientists suggest that excessive sleepiness in middle age is an independent marker of exhaustion. The body signals hidden inflammatory processes or atherosclerosis that have not yet manifested as pain. This is a kind of "red flag" indicating that the blood vessels are already struggling with the load.

Biological Clocks Start to "Malfunction"

After the age of 55, the stability of internal clocks (circadian rhythms) becomes vital. It is these internal rhythms that regulate blood pressure and the condition of blood vessel walls. When biological clocks start to "malfunction," causing a person to sleep during active parts of the day, ideal conditions are created for cardiovascular catastrophes – heart attacks and strokes.

When Should You Be Concerned?

A short rest during the day is considered safe by experts, but prolonged and frequent napping, especially in the morning, may be a reason to pay attention to your health. Experts advise not to ignore such signals and to undergo examinations if necessary, writes bb.lv.