Heart beat

As the hammock swings

Siesta. Just the thought of a lazy lunch followed by a peaceful nap is enough to lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Whether actually taking one is good for the heart, though, is still swinging in the breeze.

In Greece, at least, napping seems to reduce the risk of dying from heart disease, according to a study published in the Feb. 12, 2007, Archives of Internal Medicine. Working men benefited the most from napping, while it seemed to have little effect on women and on men who were retired.