If you’re working the type of job that gets you up early, perhaps you enjoy a nap in the afternoon to refresh yourself for the rest of the day. According to researchers, 10 to 20 minutes is about the right length of time to rejuvenate yourself. Longer naps of 45 to 60 minutes are also acceptable nap times according to other studies. Some people forgo a daily nap because their job or other commitments prevent them from snoozing, so they prefer to sleep longer on the weekends to feel more restful and rejuvenated.

The most recent study says naps may help your cardiovascular system. The research for this study was completed in the United Kingdom, where experts from the European Society of Cardiology Congress reviewed health data of nearly 91,000 people over the course of 14 years. Those who liked to sleep-in longer on weekends had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular issues such as heart disease and heart failure. There was a 19 per cent decrease to be exact. Clearly, more research has to be done on this subject, but it’s a positive step towards encouraging people to get more sleep in a very sleep deprived world.

The Public Healthy Agency of Canada says 1 in 4 adults between the ages of 16 and 34 are not getting enough sleep and 1 in 3 between the ages 35 and 64 are also not getting enough sleep. 1 in 3 have also indicated they’re having troubles staying awake during waking hours. According to guidelines, Canadians ages 18 to 64 should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night while seniors over age 65 should be looking at seven to eight hours of sleep.

Numerous studies have pointed to several health benefits associated with napping and sleeping in longer on weekends. Improved mental health, more alert, better memory, and (as the most recent study concluded) better cardiovascular health.

Just don’t nap while operating the combine this fall. Nobody wants to pull the machine out of the slough!