An afternoon nap is as good as a pill for reducing blood pressure, research suggests.

Scientists found that those who took a daily siesta were more likely than those who stayed awake to experience a drop in readings.

Overall, taking a nap during the day was associated with an average 5 mm Hg drop in blood pressure.

Cardiologists found for every 60 minutes of midday sleep, 24-hour average systolic blood pressure decreased by 3 mm Hg.

Overall, average 24-hour systolic blood pressure was 5.3 mm Hg lower among those who napped compared with those who didn not.

Low-dose pills normally lower blood pressure levels by a similar amount, researchers said.

Researcher cardiologist Dr Manolis Kallistratos at the Asklepieion General Hospital in Greece, said: "Based on our findings, if someone has the luxury to take a nap during the day, it may also have benefits for high blood pressure.

"Napping can be easily adopted and typically doesn't cost anything."