Sleep Archive

Research supports the health benefits of taking afternoon naps, but they should last less than 30 minutes, according to a 2023 study.

Drinking coffee does not appear to increase the risk of heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation, in healthy people. It may temporarily raise blood pressure and the number of non-harmful skipped beats. While it may have other minor mixed positive and negative effects on other heart-related factors and behaviors (such as increased daily step counts, but decreased sleep duration and slightly higher LDL cholesterol), moderate coffee consumption appears to have no impact on the overall risk of cardiovascular disease.

A 2023 study suggests that sleep problems such as snoring, snorting, or getting too much or little sleep can significantly raise the odds of having a stroke.

Despite social media claims, mouth taping while sleeping can prove risky, leading to hampered breathing, disrupted sleep, or skin irritation. People who can't breathe through their nose when sleeping should see their doctor to evaluate the problem.

A 2023 study suggests that women who practice many aspects of a healthy lifestyle are about half as likely as women who don't to experience persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection.

A 2022 study suggests that sleep irregularity—night-to-night variations in sleep duration and timing (when someone falls sleep)—are linked to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).

A 2022 study found that people with sleep apnea are more likely to have low bone density. Apnea may trigger low oxygen levels and inflammation that impair the body's continuous bone renewal process.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition marked by brief pauses in breathing, often triggering loud snoring, grunts, gasps, and choking noises. Because sleep apnea can put stress on your heart and circulation, it's important to learn the signs and symptoms and get treatment.

Napping for  more than 30 minutes each day may be associated with increased risks for health problems. Causes of excessive napping include boredom, poor sleep at night, underlying conditions such as anemia or depression, medication side effects, dehydration, or malnutrition. Treating underlying conditions, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, becoming more active, and practicing good sleep hygiene may help reduce prolonged nap times.

Taking regular afternoon naps for less than 60 minutes can improve mental alertness and increase productivity.