You Snooze, You...Win

If catching 40 winks in the middle of the afternoon seems impossible, you might want to adjust your schedule. Taking at least a 30-minute nap just three times a week can reduce your risk of death from heart disease 37 percent, according to a recent study of more than 23,000 people. Even those who napped only once or twice a week lowered their risk by 12 percent. Researchers believe that part of this heart-healthy effect is due to the stress-reducing benefits of a midday snooze. So try setting aside time for a siesta during your lunch hour or when you first get home from work. Weekends are also a great time to squeeze in a nap.
-- Carrington Cunnington

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, October 2007.