Gaby
Cardiologists refer to atrial fibrillation as a heart rhythm disorder characterized by irregular and often rapid contractions of the heart’s atrial myocardium.
More than 40 million people worldwide suffer from this condition, which increases the risk of stroke by five times.
The afternoon siesta has long been regarded as a great way to recharge and boost one’s mood. However, recent studies have shown that the duration of daytime sleep can have varying effects on a person’s health.
According to research from the University Hospital of Juan Ramón Jiménez in Spain, naps lasting between 15 to 30 minutes are beneficial, while longer naps may lead to irregular heartbeats.
What Researchers Discovered
To determine whether daytime napping could be a cause of atrial fibrillation, scientists analyzed data from a study conducted by the University of Navarra. This study involved over 20,000 individuals who reported no heart issues at the start of the experiment.
Participants were divided into three groups based on their average duration of daytime sleep. The first group consisted of those who did not have a habit of napping during the day. The second group included those who napped for less than 30 minutes. The third group comprised individuals who napped for 30 minutes or longer.
Every two years, volunteers filled out a detailed questionnaire regarding their health status, lifestyle, working hours, and more.
At the end of the project, researchers found that those who napped for 30 minutes or more had a nearly doubled risk—56% higher—of developing atrial fibrillation. Meanwhile, those who preferred short naps (lasting up to 30 minutes) faced no such risk.
The optimal duration for a daytime nap is between 15 to 30 minutes, noted Dr. Díaz-Gutiérrez, the lead author of the new study. He believes there are numerous possible explanations for the connection between daytime sleep and heart health.
For instance, prolonged daytime napping may disrupt our circadian rhythms, leading to shorter nighttime sleep, increased nighttime awakenings, and reduced physical activity.
In contrast, a short nap of up to 30 minutes can enhance the functioning of our internal clock, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress levels.
The researcher asserts that individuals with nighttime sleep issues should not rely on daytime naps, as they do not compensate for lost nighttime sleep.
The team presented their findings at the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology.
Heart arrhythmia, with its rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and frequent dizziness, is a concern for many adults, particularly the elderly. Other key factors contributing to arrhythmia include poor diet, which raises cholesterol levels, harmful habits, obesity, hypertension, and genetic predisposition.
