Short naps ‘can help reverse health impact of poor sleep’

People who do not get enough sleep could gain a number of health benefits by taking short naps, according to a new study.

Published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the French research examined the relationship between hormones and sleep in a group of 11 healthy men between the ages of 25 and 32.

During one session, the men were limited to two hours of sleep for one night, while in the other session, subjects were able to take two 30-minute naps the day after their sleep was restricted.

After a night of limited sleep, the subjects experienced an increase in levels of norepinephrine – a hormone linked to stress responses – as well as interleukin-6, a protein with antiviral properties. However, these levels were both stabilised when the subjects were allowed to nap.

Dr Brice Faraut, of the Universite Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cite, said: "The findings support the development of practical strategies for addressing chronically sleep-deprived populations, such as night and shift workers."

Most adults need between six and nine hours of sleep every night, with negative health consequences often affecting those who regularly sleep significantly more or less than this.