Science and the Siesta: lowering blood pressure and reducing stress levels
Long work schedules, shift work, increased anxiety and a greater use of the internet and television late at night — all characteristics of our modern society — have had an impact on nocturnal sleep. We no longer sleep as long as we used to: The average sleep duration is now almost 2 hours shorter per night than it was 50 years ago. And this could be impacting our long-term health. For example, sleeping less has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular problems generally.
Read full report at Science Daily http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228105308.htm