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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

I read with interest the article by Michael Bursztyn et al¹ regarding siesta in the elderly. If the results are reproduced, taking a siesta may soon have to come with its own health warning.

This study has interesting implications. First, mid-afternoon rest periods are a common feature in many hospital wards across this country. Should this practice be discouraged? Second, Bursztyn et al suggest changes in hemodynamic and thrombogenic factors associated with awakening as a cause of this increased mortality. If this is so, what about the other activities of daily living that cause similar physiological changes? Kneeling for prayer, for instance, can lead to changes in pulse and blood pressure. Although religion was not included in the analysis, it would be interesting to note if there were any differences between people of different faiths.

P. Gyawali, MBBS
Widnes Cheshire, England

1. Bursztyn M, Ginsberg G, Hammerman-Rozenberg R, Stessman J. The siesta in the elderly: risk factor for mortality? Arch Intern Med. 1999;159:1582-1586. FREE FULL TEXT

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