Research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (February 12, 2007; Volume 167, Pages 296–301) found that regular napping was associated with a reduced risk of fatal heart attack. The study followed more than 23,000 adults in Greece over an average of six years. At baseline, none of the participants had a history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cancer.
Participants who reported regular naps—defined as at least 30 minutes, three times per week—had a 37% lower risk of fatal myocardial infarction compared with those who did not nap. The researchers noted that the cardioprotective association was strongest among working men, suggesting that stress reduction or recovery from work-related strain may play a role.
