San Francisco- Many people take little naps during the day, especially in older and retired people. But there is new findings that this may be a signpost, one that points to increase risks of stroke.
Scientists who reported their findings at the American Stroke Conference in 2008 said that the risk of stroke was 2 to 4 times more in individuals who doze moderately.
The researchers discovered that the overall risk of vascular death or heart attack was greater for those people who take small catnaps during the day.
Intentional dozing during the day is found to be the sign of a stroke later on, especially in elderly people say the researchers.
People who have sleep apnea have an increased risk of stroke, and those with apnea or sleep problems that have a tendency to cat nap should be evaluated by their physicians.
For those people who have a habit of nodding off in a chair, the risk of stroke or heart attack is much higher than those who do not fall asleep during the day.
Researchers urge those that have a habit of dropping off to sleep in a chair to be checked out by their doctors.