The midday siesta

According to research presented to the European Society of Cardiology annual conference in London, a midday nap is “associated with reduced blood pressure” and could reduce the risk of a heart attack. However, a new study may put an end to the debate by suggesting that nap advocates, and Spaniards, have been right all along. The study assessed the effect of naps on blood pressure levels in 386 hypertensive patients (those with typically higher blood pressure) who had an average age of 61.4 years.  Researchers found that midday sleepers had a five per cent lower average daily blood pressure measurement compared to those who did not take a nap. When also studying the pulse and heart, the research found  those who nap had less damage from high blood pressure in both their arteries and heart. Researchers said throughout the study they accounted for other factors which could affect blood pressure, including age, gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol, exercise and coffee. The research author Dr Manolis Kallistratos, a cardiologist at Asklepieion Voula General Hospital in Athens, highlighted that although the reduced blood pressure levels seem small, previous studies have shown even smaller levels have reduced “the risk of cardiovascular events”. The study also found a link between how long the naps were and hypertension; with those who slept for an hour producing the healthiest blood pressure results.  “Midday sleep is a habit that nowadays is almost a privilege due to a nine to five working culture and intense daily routine.” “Our study shows that not only is midday sleep associated with lower blood pressure, but longer sleeps are even more beneficial." “We found that midday sleep is associated with lower 24 hour blood pressure, an enhanced fall of blood pressure at night and less damage to the arteries and the heart. The longer the midday sleep, the lower the systolic blood pressure levels and probably fewer drugs needed to lower blood pressure.  Bowel cancer re-occurrence slashed by drinking coffee, study claims.   Researchers found the greatest benefit was seen in those consuming four or more cups of coffee a day Experts found regular consumption of the drink helped prevent the return of colon cancer after treatment, according to a major study from the world-renowned US Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Researchers found the greatest benefit was seen in those consuming four or more cups of coffee a day - about 460 milligrams of caffeine, according to the study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. These patients were 42% less likely to have their cancer return than non-coffee drinkers, and were 33% less likely to die from cancer or any other cause.  Two to three cups of coffee daily had a more modest benefit, while little protection was linked with one cup or less, the researchers said.Study leader Dr Charles Fuchs said: “We found that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of the cancer coming back and a significantly greater survival and chance of a cure.” The results appear encouraging. But Dr Fuchs was hesitant to make recommendations to patients until they are confirmed in other studies. He added: “If you are a coffee drinker and are being treated for colon cancer, don’t stop. But if you’re not a coffee drinker and wondering whether to start, you should first discuss it with your  physician.” The study is believed to be the first in the world to find a link between caffeinated coffee and risk of colon cancer recurrence. It follows a number of recent studies suggesting that coffee may have protective effects against the development of several kinds of cancer, including reduced risks of postmenopausal breast cancer, melanoma, liver cancer, advanced prostate cancer. The news comes as it was found by researchers at Newcastle University and the University of Leeds that taking one aspirin a day can help obese people avoid bowel cancer.