Don’t nap for too long

Good quality sleep is vital to overall health. Experts associate lack of sleep with anxiety, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other ailments. But if we’re not getting enough sleep at night, can we top up with naps throughout the day? Well, yes, say experts, but for a limited duration. 

A study from the European Society of Cardiology found that napping for longer than one hour could have an adverse effect on your health. The study of over 300,000 participants found those who take regular naps longer than one hour during the day have a 34% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease. The link is not proven to be causative but many experts recommend no longer than 30 minutes nap time to improve overall health and cognitive ability. Make sure you’re setting your alarm!

Photograph: iStock by Getty Images

For more in-depth health advice, check out the latest issue of Healthy For Men, on sale now in Holland & Barrett stores and online at hollandandbarrett.com

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