Hidden Danger of the Afternoon Slump

NEED A NAP? Excessive daytime sleepiness might mean trouble for your heart A 3 o’clock slump can ruin your productivity, but it could also shorten your life. A new study published in the journal Stroke found that elderly people who reported excessive daytime sleepiness have a 49 percent relative risk increase of cardiovascular death, compared to those who do not report sleepiness. It’s unclear as to whether sleep complaints are a symptom of underlying cardiovascular disease or whether sleepiness triggers or worsens disease, and the research still needs to be tested in other populations, but daytime fatigue could be a useful warning sign in identifying an underlying condition. But wanting a midday nap isn’t the only heart alarm you should consider—knowing these five crucial vital signs could save your life, and going to the doctor for regular checkups is as important as a healthy diet and exercise. If your slump isn’t due to cardiac problems, it can be easily fixed. Avoid crashing at your keyboard by steering clear of refined carbs at lunch and getting a shot of sunlight mid-afternoon. And don’t mistake that caffeine buzz for real energy—it could leave you crashing later and your coffee addiction may have a price.