Study Finds Frequent Naps Linked , to High Blood Pressure and Stroke.<br />CNN reports a study finds those who nap frequently may be more prone to high blood pressure and a heightened risk of stroke.<br />The study, published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal ...<br />... found those who napped during the day were 12% more likely to have high blood pressure and 24% more likely to have a stroke than those who didn't.<br />This may be because, although taking a nap itself is not harmful, many people who take naps may do so because of poor sleep at night. , Michael Grandner, clinical psychologist, Behavioral Sleep Medicine <br />Clinic at Banner-University Medical Center, via CNN.<br />Poor sleep at night is associated with poorer health, and naps are not enough to make up for that. , Michael Grandner, clinical psychologist, Behavioral Sleep Medicine <br />Clinic at Banner-University Medical Center, via CNN.<br />Experts say extended naps are <br />especially harmful to one's health.<br />If you're going to be sleeping for an hour, two hours, for example, that's not really a nap. , Dr. Raj Dasgupta, sleep specialist, Keck School of Medicine at USC, via CNN.<br />A refreshing power nap that's 15 to 20 minutes around noon to 2 p.m. is 100% the way to go if you're sleep deprived. , Dr. Raj Dasgupta, sleep specialist, Keck School of Medicine at USC, via CNN.<br />Experts agree that poor sleep often causes <br />"excessive daytime fatigue which can result <br />in excessive napping during the day.".<br />I do believe napping is a warning sign of an underlying sleep disorder in certain individuals. , Dr. Raj Dasgupta, sleep specialist, Keck School of Medicine at USC, via CNN.<br />Sleep disorders are linked to an increase in stress and weight regulation hormones which can lead to obesity ... , Dr. Raj Dasgupta, sleep specialist, Keck School of Medicine at USC, via CNN.<br />... high blood pressure, <br />type 2 diabetes -- all risk factors for heart disease. , Dr. Raj Dasgupta, sleep specialist, Keck School of Medicine at USC, via CNN
