How Napping for Long Hours Affect Your Health?

Many people enjoy taking a nap during the day, particularly in the afternoon and it is a common habit that many people include into their daily routines.

The term ‘Nap’ is commonly used to refer to a fleeting period of sleep taken throughout the day which helps people stay awake and combat tiredness during the day. In addition, it is believed that taking a nap is beneficial. A brief nap during the day may boost workplace performance by enhancing cognitive functions such as memory, logical reasoning, and the ability to complete complex tasks.

However, the benefits of napping differ from people to people. Some people may benefit from naps, while others may find it least beneficial. Because taking long naps can lead to negative impacts on one's health. Currently, there is no clear understanding of how naps specifically affect one’s health. There is still a lot to learn about the correlation between napping and night-time sleep, as well as how the duration or frequency of naps affects the overall health and wellness of the individual.

But individuals who nap often have reported experiencing poorer overall health. Additionally, they are more likely to sleep for extended periods and experience sleep issues such as snoring.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers in China, taking frequent naps may show a higher risk of developing blood pressure and stroke compared with people who never nap.

Now, you may confuse should I take a nap, or not to nap?

A lot of individuals want to sleep during the day, especially in the afternoon, but doing so for too long might be harmful. Long naps in the afternoon should be avoided because of their harmful effects. It may disturb your ability to fall asleep at night. An expert has found that a 20 percent higher risk of stroke is associated with extended periods of sleep. The Medical Journal of the American Academy of Neurology published a study that backs up these assertions. A 25 percent increased stroke risk has been linked to taking naps in the afternoon lasting more than 90 minutes. The research also found that changes in cholesterol levels were associated with fewer hours of sleep.

Extended Nap Cause Health Risk

1. Cardiovascular Disease

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), insufficient sleep at night can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and Type 2 diabetes. Although it is not entirely clear what biological factors increase this risk, experts believe that certain factors may be responsible for it.

Elevated levels of the stress hormone catecholamines (which are also involved in the body's adrenaline response and can raise blood pressure) have been linked to night-time insomnia. Lack of sleep can also hinder your body's ability to keep your blood arteries clear, increasing your risk of blood clots.

According to the study, napping and insufficient sleep may also contribute to an increase in inflammation within the body. Additionally, disrupting the body's natural blood pressure rhythm by napping may have long-term consequences. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, with the maximum levels typically occurring after waking up in the morning and the lowest levels occurring during sleep. Both mental and physical activity  have an effect on  these fluctuations.

2. Stroke

Disrupted sleep can cause an individual to take a nap during the day. There is a correlation between poor sleep quality and stroke. Individuals who take naps during the day for more than an hour are 80% more likely to suffer a stroke than those who do not take naps. However, it was found that taking a planned nap of less than an hour was not associated with stroke.

3. Affects Your Mental Health

Napping excessively might be a sign of emotional distress like stress or anxiety. If your poor mood persists, you experience a change in your weight or eating habits, or you lose interest in things that you formerly enjoyed, so it is important to consult with your doctor.

As previously mentioned, napping can also be beneficial. For adults, it is recommended to take a nap for a duration of 20 minutes, and not exceeding 30 minutes. Taking a nap for 20 minutes can help increase alertness by providing light sleep without  entering into a deep sleep . Awakening from a deep sleep can result in grogginess and worsen sleepiness. In simple words, short naps should be preferred over long ones during the daytime to lead a healthy and active life. If you want to overcome any kind health issues or concerns related to sleep or mental wellness consult a doctor immediately.