Nap Exposure and Hypertension Link Accompanied by Heart Issues
Daytime napping, once a cherished habit for many, has recently gained a negative connotation due to its links to cardiovascular disease and stroke.
A review of 20 nap studies from 2020 found a connection between daytime napping and cardiovascular disease. A study published in 2022 suggested that frequent napping could be a warning sign for strokes. Another study indicates that relying on naps as a substitute for inadequate sleep still results in a sleep deficit.
In light of these findings, the American Heart Association (AHA) has revised its checklist for maintaining lifelong good health, renaming it "Life's Essential 8." This change acknowledges the growing body of research that shows people who get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night are better able to manage various aspects of their heart health, and the consequences of shortchanging sleep can be severe.
Researchers from a recent study evaluated the association between sleep duration and hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among middle-aged and older adults. The study found that participants with a sleep duration of less than 6 hours per night, a high nap ratio (at least 0.4), and women aged 60 and older with a high nap ratio had a higher risk of hypertension. Elevated risk for CVD was detected in participants who had a sleep duration of less than 6 hours, those with a total sleep duration of less than 6 hours, and those with a nap duration of less than 0.5 hours, particularly for women aged 60 and older.
Despite these findings, occasional napping may be beneficial to make up for insufficient or disrupted nighttime sleep, as long as it is brief and strategically timed. To improve nighttime sleep, the AHA advises maintaining good sleep hygiene, engaging in regular resistance exercise, creating a routine for bedtime, and ensuring a healthy gut microbiome. Addressing underlying sleep disorders like sleep apnea and overactive bladder is also essential.
According to an editor's note, there are safe, natural ways to reduce one's risk of blood clots, such as a 25-cent vitamin, a nutrient that acts as a natural blood thinner, and a powerful herb that helps clear plaque. For more information on these and other secrets of long-lived hearts, visit the linked source.
Sources:- Sleep Duration Associated With Higher Risk of Hypertension (AJMC)- Associations of siesta and total sleep duration with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged and older adults (Clinical Cardiology)- Healthy Lifestyle (American Heart Association)- Life's Essential 8 (American Heart Association)- Napping: Do's and don'ts for healthy adults (Mayo Clinic)
- The American Heart Association (AHA) has revised its guidelines for maintaining heart health, recognizing the importance of sleep and its impact on various medical conditions, including chronic diseases.
- A study on sleep duration and hypertension found that people who sleep less than 6 hours per night, particularly women aged 60 and older, may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related medical conditions.
- Research on the association between napping and health indicates that relying on naps as a substitute for inadequate sleep can still result in a sleep deficit, potentially leading to negative health consequences.
- In the realm of health and wellness, addressing underlying sleep disorders and improving sleep quality are crucial for mitigating the risks of chronic diseases, including CVD, and for maintaining optimal health as one ages, even as natural, safe methods like proper nutrition, exercise, and good sleep hygiene play essential roles in supporting heart health.
