It's always been deemed that kids nowadays underestimate the value of a nap, while adults wish they could get in more sleep in a day.

But now a new study suggests that taking naps actually has health benefits too. According to a research study, a nap in the middle of the day is "associated with reduced blood pressure" and could even lower risks of attaining heart attacks.

The study, which was brought to the European Society of Cardiology annual conference in London, observed the effect of taking naps on blood pressure levels in 386 "hypertensive patients who had an average age of 61.4 years."

Hypertensive patients are individuals who typically have higher blood pressure than the normal person.

The study also looked into other factors that could affect blood pressure levels, including age, gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol, exercise, and coffee.

In fact, the researchers discovered that the daily average blood pressure was lower by five percent, as compared to those who didn't take midday naps.

In addition, the research also found that those who took naps had less damage from high blood pressure in their arteries and heart.

Research author Dr. Manolis Kallistratos, who is also a cardiologist at the Asklepieion Voula General Hospital in Athens, Greece, notes:

"Our study shows that not only is midday sleep associated with lower blood pressure, but longer sleeps are even more beneficial. [...] We found that midday sleep is associated with lower 24 hour blood pressure, an enhanced fall of blood pressure at night and less damage to the arteries and heart. The longer the midday sleep, the lower the systolic blood pressure levels and probably fewer drugs [are] needed to lower blood pressure."

So even though the reduced blood pressure levels may seem small, its impact is actually much greater in terms of reduced risk of cardiovascular ailments.