Napping could save your life

In a study of 23,681 Greek men and women strong evidence was found in support of the siesta.
People who took a nap at midday for 30 minutes or more at least three times a week were 37 per cent less likely to die from heart disease than those who stayed awake.
Even the occasional siesta was associated with a 34 per cent lower risk of dying.
Among working men, napping of any sort resulted in a 64 per cent reduced risk of heart disease death.

The study took into account history of heart disease, amount of exercise and dietary habits of the previous year.

The team, led by Dr Androniki Naska, from the University of Athens Medical School in Greece, felt that it was due to the stress releasing consequences.
Countries where siestas are common also tend to be those with low rates of heart disease death.