Some swear by their regenerative powers – but daytime naps of more than an hour can raise the risk of a stroke by almost a quarter, a study says.
While dozing for 30 to 40 minutes can boost concentration, research showed anything over 60 minutes can also increase the danger of type 2 diabetes or even premature death.
According to a YouGov study, one in five Britons regularly takes daytime naps.
Scientists from the Institute of Nutrition at Fudan University in Shanghai analysed data on sleeping patterns and stroke risk in more than 90,000 people aged over 50.
They found those regularly napping for at least an hour at lunchtime were 23 per cent more at risk from a stroke.
Daytime naps of more than an hour can increase the risk of stroke an type two diabetes, a study has found (file photo)
Unhealthy sleep routines may lead to inflammation in blood vessels supplying the brain, researchers believe (file photo)
Around 100,000 people a year in the UK suffer a stroke, where a clot shuts off blood flow to the brain – often causing partial paralysis, speech problems and even death.
The latest study, published in the journal Sleep Medicine, found risks were highest in those who slept for less than seven hours at night.
The researchers think unhealthy sleep routines may lead to inflammation in blood vessels supplying the brain – heightening the dangers of a clot.
They said: ‘Daytime napping is common around the world.
‘These results show there are adverse health consequences when people used long naps to compensate for short night-time sleep duration.’
