Medical Reports: Naptime

WSVN -- A new study says you should try to get a bit of shut-eye in the afternoons.

A little naptime can do a lot for your heart.

They say if you snooze you lose: but it turns out that may not be the case.

A new study has tracked 23,000 healthy Greek adults for six years. Those who napped three times a week had lower risk of dying from heart problems.

Dr. Eric Braverman: "The studies are overwhelming that a good night's sleep or seven hours of sleep, either through naps or however you get it, reduces diabetes, heart attack, anxiety, depression, psychiatric problems, addiction problems."

The study showed napping is good for both men and women, but men seem to benefit the most.

Doctors say that's likely because a mid-day nap can ease job-related stress.

Even after factoring in things like diet, exercise and smoking, they still found napping seems to help.

Help your health, that is -- sleeping on the job everyday may not exactly boost your career.

Sure, in many parts of the world a daytime "siesta" is part of the culture. But, in the U.S., nappers are pretty much considered lazy slackers, though some doctors think that should change.

Dr. Eric Braverman: "Ultimately, every company will learn that healthy, happy employees lead to greater productivity. So it's better that they sleep than die."

Some argue it's possible those studied may have just taken better care of themselves.

Still, one of the scientists who oversaw the study insists, if you can nap, go ahead.

If you have a sofa in your office and can relax, he says do it.