How a Quick Power Nap May Shield Your Heart
A Swiss research team now links one or two daytime snoozes each week to a surprisingly sharp drop in heart-attack, stroke and heart-failure risk—up to 48 percent lower compared with steadfast non-nappers.
The Curious, U-Shape Result
- Once- or twice-a-week nappers: 48 % risk reduction.
- Daily nappers: no net bonus once age, weight and smoking habits were weighed.
- Frequent dozers even showed a 67 % risk spike at first glance, but the bump vanished after adjustment for other health factors.
What the Experts Are Saying
Profile of the Frequent Napper
Those most likely to take three or more naps per week were:
- older males
- heavier in body-mass index
- current or former smokers
- more often diagnosed with sleep apnea
The Heart Events Tally
During the 5-plus-year follow-up of roughly 3,500 randomly selected Swiss residents, investigators recorded 155 events—fatal and non-fatal heart attacks, strokes and severe coronary blockages requiring intervention.
Practical Take-Away
Health professionals like cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati advise against panic for habitual nappers: “Frequent napping can be the canary in the coal mine for hidden sleep disorders, but it doesn’t automatically raise your risk.” Her lighter closing note: napping on a quiet Sunday can feel like a proactive act of heart care—as long as night-time rest is solid too.
Caveat and Next Steps
The study, appearing online in Heart (9 September), is observational; cause-and-effect remains unproven. Replication studies are needed before doctors begin prescribing siestas.
