Summary of Longer Naps Linked to Higher Risk of Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and High Blood Pressure:
Long siestas, those lasting 30 minutes or more, are associated with higher body mass indexes, higher blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome. In contrast, short siestas (or power naps) are not linked to obesity and metabolic alterations, according to a study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The team assessed data from over 3,000 adults in Mediterranean countries, with no siestas, shorter than 30 minutes, and longer than 30 minutes being the categories. Researchers found that long siesta-takers had last nightly sleep and food timings compared to those who did not nap and increased energy intake at lunch and cigarette smoking.
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Why Lengthy Siestas Could Be Harmful to Your Health
Siestas, or midday naps, have been a longstanding tradition in many cultures worldwide. However, new research suggests that the duration of your siesta could impact your health. In this article, we’ll explore a recent study that found that individuals who engage in lengthy naps tend to have higher body mass indexes and a greater likelihood of having metabolic syndrome than those who do not.
The Study
Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers evaluated the link between siestas, siesta duration, and obesity and metabolic syndrome in over 3,000 adults from a Mediterranean population. The team found that those who took minutes or longer (long naps) were likelier to have a higher body mass index, higher pressure, and a cluster of other conditions associated with heart disease and diabetes (metabolic syndrome) than those without siestas.
Short Siestas Are Beneficial
However, for those with short siestas, also known as “power naps,” this increased risk for obesity and metabolic alterations was absent. In contrast, short siesta-takers were less likely to have elevated systolic blood pressure than those who took no siestas. The team’s results are published in the journal Obesity.
Factors Affecting Health Outcomes
“Not all siestas are the same. The length of time, the position of sleep, and other specific factors can affect the health outcomes of a nap,” said senior author Marta Garaulet, Ph.D., a visiting professor in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The researchers found that long siesta-takers had a higher body mass index and were likelier to have metabolic syndrome (MetS) than those who did not take siestas.
Siesta Length and Lifestyle Factors
Additionally, compared with the no-siesta group, the extended-siesta group had higher waist circumference values, fasting glucose levels, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure. The researchers found that long siestas were associated with later nightly sleep timing and food timing, increased energy intake at lunch and cigarette smoking, and the location of naps (a bed vs. a sofa), which may explain the higher risks associated with longer duration siestas.
Future Research
“This study shows the importance of considering siesta length and raises whether short naps may offer unique benefits. Many institutions are realizing the benefits of short naps, mostly for work productivity, but also increasingly for general health,” said co-author Frank Scheer, Ph.D., a senior neuroscientist and professor in the Medical Chronobiology Program in the Brigham’s Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders. The results of the study call for future research to investigate whether a short siesta is advantageous over a long one, particularly for individuals with habits such as having delayed meals and sleep schedules or for those who smoke.
Takeaway
While siestas can be a great way to recharge and boost productivity, the length of your nap could significantly impact your health. If you enjoy taking midday naps, keep them short and sweet to promote metabolic health and overall well-being.
