From RealAge
A daytime doze is a stress buster and heart protector. Just 30 minutes midday, three times a week, is all you need. Middle-aged working men who did just that cut their risk of a fatal heart attack and other heart problems by a whopping 37 percent. How about women?
Although the study focused on working men, women would probably benefit as well. Naps are a great stress reducer.
You’ve heard how stress can damage your health, but how it causes heart disease remains unclear. Blame the stress hormones that course through
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your veins when you are under pressure. Researchers think these hormones may damage organs, glands, and blood vessels. Or bad influence could be at fault, because stress can drive you to unhealthy behaviors like smoking, overeating, and skipping your workout. Learn more about preventing heart disease.
What is clear about stress: Pressure-cooker jobs increase your chances of accumulating risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
So for sweet dreams and a more relaxed (and happier) you, do as the Spaniards do — take a siesta! Can’t nap on the job? Catch some midday ZZZs on the weekend. Just be sure to set an alarm clock — sleep too long and you’ll have trouble sticking to your regular bedtime.
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