Pilates Wellness Wednesday: The Power of the Nap

A peaceful daytime nap may be the secret to heart health and mental clarity

We’ve talked about napping before but this Wellness Wednesday we’re revisiting the topic with fresh eyes and this time we’ve got the science to back it up.

As you all know we’re passionate about the proof. When science confirms that something truly benefits our health we listen. And for those who know me well you’ll know I tend to believe most things until they’re proven otherwise. That openness keeps us curious and in this case it’s leading us to the sofa.

Two major studies, one from Harvard Medical School and another from Switzerland, have caught our attention. The Harvard research found that people who nap three or more times a week are 37 percent less likely to die from heart disease. Even more striking, in men, the risk reduction jumps to 68 percent. That kind of result is not something to ignore. As a doctor friend pointed out to me recently, there’s currently no medication that can deliver those numbers. But a nap might.

The Swiss study supports this. After following 3,000 people aged 35 to 75, researchers discovered that those who napped just once a week were 42 percent less likely to die from heart-related conditions such as stroke, heart attack or cardiovascular disease.

So what does that mean for us? Quite simply, that slowing down may save your life. Taking 20 to 60 minutes to rest your body and brain could be one of the best wellness choices you make this week.

We often celebrate movement, strength and resilience in our Pilates practice but rest is part of wellness too. Maybe this Wednesday the healthiest thing you can do is close your eyes and take a breath. Or even better, take a nap.

Let’s embrace the science. Let’s welcome rest.