HAVING long naps raises the chance of suffering a stroke by a quarter, research suggests.
It found older people who snoozed for more than 90 minutes during the day were at a 25 per cent higher risk.
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The Chinese study of nearly 32,000 healthy adults also reveals sleeping for nine hours or more a night was linked to a significantly higher likelihood of stroke.
Participants who enjoyed a daily lie-in saw their risk rocket by 23 per cent.
Scientists say people who indulge in long naps or nighttime slumbers are more likely to have high cholesterol or be fat – both risk factors for the condition.
Researcher Dr Xiaomin Zhang, of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, said:
“Long napping and sleeping may suggest an overall inactive lifestyle, which is also related to increased risk of stroke.
“These results highlight the importance of moderate napping and sleeping duration and maintaining good sleep quality, especially in middle-age and older adults.”
The study, published in the journal Neurology, found eight per cent of participants napped for more than 90 minutes daily.
And a 24 per cent dozed for more than nine hours each night.
Scientists found people who were both long nappers and sleepers were 85 per cent more likely to have a stroke.
Those who reported having low quality slumber also saw their risk raised by 29 per cent.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or internal bleeding.
Every year 150,000 Brits have an attack – and it is the leading cause of complex disability.
Barbara Kobson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We know how long and well we sleep can have an effect on our heart and circulatory health.
“This study suggests that sleeping for a longer time, getting sleep of poor quality, or taking long midday naps could be associated with an increased risk of stroke.
“Although this is an interesting study it was carried out among middle-age and older Chinese adults, so we can’t be sure that these findings are relevant to people in the UK.”
