Whether it’s called , nap or snooze, sleeping after eating has always been the focus of heated tirades. There are those who affirm that, those who believe that it increases productivity and those who believe that it increases memory capacity.
Research and university studies have yielded often conflicting results. A recent study has even found a correlation between napping and an increased risk of stroke. In this article, we will try to understand what effects the beloved post-meal nap would have on our body.
Sleeping after eating is good or bad: the latest studies
According to Chinese researchers from Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, taking a postprandial nap even affects the risk of hypertension and stroke. The study published last July will not make nap fans happy. The scientists selected a sample of no less than 358,451 people without hypertension or stroke based on data collected between 2006 and 2010 in the UK Biobank. The latter is a British database that collects sensitive health genetic information from about 500,000 participants.
Well, Chinese researchers found that those who nap were 12% more likely to have high blood pressure. In addition, people who nap were 24% more likely to have a stroke. The incidence would then be higher among individuals under 60 years of age.
Of exactly opposite opinion to the Chinese research, would be the Swiss researchers who, in a study published in 2019 in the journal ‘Heart’, demonstrated the benefits of naps.
Scientists from the University of Lausanne selected a sample of 3,462 Swiss citizens with no history of cardiovascular disease. In this study, not only the frequency of the afternoon nap was taken into account, but also its duration.
Well, the study found that those who napped 1-2 times a week were 48% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Good news then? Yes, but not quite. The Swiss scientists found no decreased risk of cardiovascular disease in those who napped more frequently. So, long story short: nap yes, but only once or twice a week. It could be argued that, for example, those who fall into the arms of Morpheus at the weekend after a hearty meal banish the specter of cardiovascular disease.
Napping helps and improves memory
The German University of Saarland also studied the “siesta phenomenon” focusing on the effects on the ability to memorize. The 40 participants in the study were subjected to a mnemonic test. That is, they had to try single words or in association and, after a period of time, try to remember them. Meanwhile, one group was allowed to nap while the other was shown a DVD.
The nap group is said to have shown an even five times greater ability to remember than the second group. However, you have to be careful with the time: the nap should not exceed 45 minutes.
How long should the afternoon nap last?
There is no consensus on this point either. In fact, many experts indicate a minimum time of 10 minutes to a maximum of 30. This is because the first sleep cycle lasts about 15-20 minutes and it would be better to wake up before entering the deepest phase, the REM phase. . Disruption of this phase would cause headaches and dizziness.
Does taking a nap after eating make you fat?
A commonplace would want to blame the nap after lunch for the effect of weight gain. Actually, there is no study that demonstrates such a correlation. Conversely, taking a nap right after your meal could lead to slow and poor digestion. Bloating and flatulence problems may appear.
In conclusion, we can say that the afternoon nap should not replace night sleep. In fact, we can even perform a small test to see if we are sleep deprived.
In addition, experts advise following proper sleep hygiene. Remember that the bedroom temperature should not be too high and that you should maintain healthy habits. For example, we should not go to bed with wet hair.
Sleeping after eating is good, but in moderation and not every day, according to scientific studies on the subject.