The association between daily naps and metabolic syndrome: Evidence from a population-based study in the Middle-East

Authors

Hamideh Ghazizadeh, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Naser Mobarra, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Habibollah Esmaily, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Seyed Mohammad Reza Seyedi, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Amin Amiri, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Fariborz Rezaeitalab, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Naghmeh Mokhber, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Mohsen Moohebati, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Mahmoud Ebrahimi, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Mohammad Tayebi, The University of Western Ontario
Negin Behboodi, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Maryam Mohammadi-Bajgiran, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Samineh Hashemi, Robarts Research Institute
Gordon A. Ferns, Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Saverio Stranges, The University of Western OntarioFollow
Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Mahmoud Reza Azarpazhooh, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2020

Journal

Sleep Health

Volume

6

Issue

5

First Page

684

Last Page

689

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1016/j.sleh.2020.03.007

Abstract

Background: Daily naps are a common habit in many Middle Eastern and Asian countries; however, little is known about the association between daily naps and other health consequences, including the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: Participants were recruited from the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorders study. We defined MetS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. Nighttime sleeping hours were categorized into three categories: <6, 6–8, and >8 hours. Using logistic regression models, we analyzed the association between the duration of night-time sleep and daily naps with MetS and its different components. Results: A total of 9652 individuals were included in the study: 3859 with MetS (40%) and 5793 without MetS (60%), as the control group. Of all, 72% participants had a regular daily nap. Those with daily naps had a higher odd of MetS [Odds ratio:1.19, confidence interval: (1.08–1.33); P <.001]. We also observed significantly higher odds of obesity, central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and diabetes or impaired fasting glucose in these subjects. Men sleeping <6 hours per night had a lower odd of MetS. However, we observed higher odds of cardiovascular risk factors in participants sleeping <6 hours, including obesity and diabetes or IFG. Conclusion: Napping is a common habit in middle Eastern countries. Although the cross-sectional design of our study cannot prove causality, we observed a significant association between the presence of MetS and daily naps. The public should be aware of this possibility and be educated about the importance of sleeping patterns.