Getting too much or not enough sleep has long been known to be linked to overall poorer health outcomes and obesity risk. Now a new study looks at whether a mid-day nap is linked to either better or worse health outcomes.
A multi-national group of researchers has published a new study on Obesity that connects siestas or naps with increased risk. The study found that longer siestas of 30 minutes or more were more closely tied to increases in indicators of poorer health. This included higher BMI, fasting blood glucose levels, and various blood pressure readings. of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Your Sleep Nap Should Not Exceed One Hour
- New research suggests that long siestas, or sleep naps that last for more than 30 minutes could have a detrimental effect on your health.
- The study connects nap length with obesity and metabolic syndrome risks.
- Researchers agree that it’s important to understand the cultural importance of siestas and how they translate to other cultural understandings of rest.
Longer Naps Linked To An Increased Risk Of Obesity And Metabolic Syndrome
The ONTIME (Obesity, Nutrigenetics, Timing, and Mediterranean) study, which drew participants from previous studies, recruited 3,275 adults with an average age of 41.
It was discovered by researchers that not all siestas were created equal. Siestas sleep naps that lasted longer than 30 minutes was associated with higher obesity rates and poorer health indicators like elevated blood pressure.
Study Major Points:
- In particular, specialists found the people who laid down for rests longer than 30 minutes saw a 2.1% expansion in their BMI and a higher MetS score (demonstrating side effects of a metabolic condition) by 8.1%.
- While seeing a way of life factors the specialists found that the people who constantly took a long rest once seven days were bound to smoke as well as eat, rest, and partake in actual work later in the day.
Siestas And Power Naps
Siestas, a common practice in countries like Spain, typically involve a significant break for lunch and a sleep nap before returning to work later in the day. The primary focus of the study was on how siesta (or nap) length is linked to metabolic health.
According to the study’s author, Dr. Marta Garaulet (Ph.D.), who works at the University of Murcia in Spain, it is essential to comprehend the cultural significance of siestas and to also take into consideration how they are discussed in other countries and settings, such as large corporations.
How Naps Are Linked To BMI, Blood Sugar, And Hypertension
The study’s findings, according to Dr. Carleara Weiss (Ph.D., RN), a nurse researcher whose postdoctoral work focused on circadian rhythms, can help practitioners and patients better understand and articulate the domino effect that can result from changes in sleep, according to the study’s findings.
It influences mood, concentration, and physical performance in addition to hormone regulation. So it checks out that having longer rests would influence how the natural clockworks, and afterward hormonal guideline and digestion also,” Weiss said.