26 Mar :Experts have warned of the potential health risks of taking a regular lunchtime siesta. Researchers say, taking regular lunchtime siestas could increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study of 16,480 people, found those who napped, were 26 per cent more likely to get the condition than those who did not. Several factors may be behind the link, including disrupted night-time sleep and an association between napping and reduced physical activity.
Waking up from napping also activates hormones and mechanisms in the body that stop insulin working effectively, the researchers said, and this could predispose people to Type 2 diabetes – which can develop when the insulin the body makes does not work properly. The new research could be another step towards explaining the possible link between disturbed sleep patterns and Type 2 diabetes.