INTRODUCTION:

In Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, the afternoon nap is a deep-rooted habit that makes reference to a period dedicated to sleep after lunch.

OBJECTIVE:

Of this observational study is to describe the habit of the afternoon nap and its association with overweight among school-aged children.

METHODS:

This is a section cross sectional prospective study done in 2012 in a probability sample of 2,104 school children of 16 public schools randomly selected in Merida, Yucatan.

RESULTS:

Children who were accustomed to take after lunch naps (≥3/≥2 days/hours during week days) were more prone to be overweight (z = 2.73, p = 0.01) than their peers; they also performed significantly less physical exercise (z = -5.91, p < 0.00); slept less at night (z = -17.59, p = 0.01) and ateless fruits and vegetables (z = -2.59, p = 0.01); as they watch more hours of television.

DISCUSSION:

The after lunch nap, despite being a deeply rooted habit, should not last too long, in order to reduce the sedentary time and to promote healthy habits among school aged children.