Michael Mosley says we're napping wrong - and it's affecting our health

01 October 2023 , 15:16

1261     0

When taking a nap. it's important to plan it properly (Image: PR Handout)

Many of us love nothing more than taking an afternoon siesta after a busy week but, according to Dr Michael Mosley, a number of people may not be aware that it's actually possible to get napping wrong. In his new book How Simple Changes Can Transform Your Life the nutrition expert advised how implementing deceptively small changes into your everyday routine could well make a huge impact, including afternoon naps.

With sleep being a crucial part of our overall health and well-being, it's unsurprising that Dr Mosley touched upon the importance of getting another rest, advising that a regular afternoon siesta could well keep your heart and mind healthy. There are some things you should bear in mind, however.

Getting some post-lunch kip could do wonders for your heart health (Stock Photo) (Getty Images)

In a 2022 episode of his podcast Just One Thing, which inspired his wisdom-packed book, Dr Mosley urged listeners to think of naps as "brain boosters" as opposed to "sleeping on the job", explaining that factoring siestas into your day when possible could well help with memory, heart health, and even your productivity.

According to Dr Mosley, research shows that a simple daily nap could cut your risk of heart attack by half while having a noticeable effect on your brain in terms of your emotional control and memory. Indeed, one study even found that napping occasionally was associated with a 48 per cent lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, making it a highly beneficial habit to develop, medically speaking.

There are a few factors to take into consideration, however, with Dr Mosley advising that the ideal nap should last for between 20 to 30 minutes, and should be taken no later than 3 pm, as this can stop you from drifting off at night. In order to achieve the maximum benefit, Dr Mosley suggested setting an alarm and taking a kip in the early afternoon, shortly after lunch.

Dr Michael Mosley shares exercise that can cut cholesterol and blood pressure

Citing famous supporters of a good old-fashioned nap in the podcast episode, Dr Mosley revealed: "Winston Churchill regularly recharged himself with an afternoon nap. Writing in his memoirs, that even if it only lasts 20 minutes, it is sufficient to renew all the vital forces. He was clearly onto something because recent research suggests that a nap can do wonderful things for your mind and your body. For starters, taking an afternoon nap even just once or twice a week seems to be good for the heart."

Do you have a health-related story to share? Email us at [email protected]

Julia Banim