A recent study published in the journal Neurology has found a strong correlation between sleep problems and an increased risk of stroke. The study, which examined nearly 4,500 participants, suggests that individuals experiencing multiple sleep issues may be five times more likely to have a stroke compared to those without any sleep problems. While further research is needed to determine a direct causal relationship, the findings highlight the importance of prioritizing sleep health for overall well-being and stroke prevention.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for stroke: smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more. But according to research published in the journal Neurology, there's another factor that may dramatically increase your risk for stroke—poor sleep. Researchers wanted to take a closer look at the connection between sleep problems and the incidence of stroke. To do so, they looked at just under 4,500 people with an average age of 62.
Roughly half of the participants had never had a stroke, while the other half had had a stroke previously. The participants were asked about their sleeping habits and any subsequent sleep issues they may be experiencing, with researchers accounting for variables such as smoking, depression, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. And based on the findings, there appears to be a strong link between sleep issues and strokes. It's important to note this research did not identify a direct link between sleep and stroke risk, only a strong correlation. Nevertheless, as study author Christine McCarthy, M.B., BCh, BAO, explains in a news release, 'Not only do our results suggest that individual sleep problems may increase a person's risk of stroke, but having more than five of these symptoms may lead to five times the risk of stroke compared to those who do not have any sleep problems.' She adds that future research is needed to determine whether interventions to improve sleep could reduce stroke risk. While we wait for more research to unpack how sleep issues could be impacting stroke risk, the good news is, we can always take steps to focus on our sleep hygiene and decrease our risk of stroke. The essential sleep rules, like going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, are a good place to start—along with avoiding caffeine and alcohol too close to bed, which can impact sleep quality. Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing persistent sleep issues, and consider opting for a quality sleep supplement with ingredients like magnesium and pharmaGABA, which are research-backed to help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality. (Here are nine of our favorites, all vetted by a nutrition scientist.) And to lower your risk of stroke, be sure to get enough physical activity, limit your alcohol intake, and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. Sleep is essential to virtually all of our bodily functions, so it's no surprise that sleep problems could increase your risk for stroke. As we understand more and more about sleep and its integral role in our overall well-being, consider this one more reason to make sure you're getting quality sleep every night
Stroke Risk Sleep Problems Neurology Study Sleep Hygiene Cardiovascular Health
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Advances in Sleep Health: Caffeine, Diet, Napping, and Sleep Apnea TreatmentsThis article explores recent findings and developments in sleep health, covering topics such as caffeine consumption, diet and insomnia, napping strategies, and new treatments for sleep apnea.
Read more »
Sleep Tracking Devices: Data Overload or Pathway to Better Rest?This article explores the growing popularity of sleep tracking devices and the potential downsides of focusing too heavily on sleep data. It argues that while tracking sleep can be helpful, an obsessive approach to optimizing sleep, known as orthosomnia, can actually worsen sleep quality. The article emphasizes the importance of considering the bigger picture, including diet and lifestyle factors, for achieving good sleep.
Read more »
Millennials Share Sleep Hacks: 'Rawdogging' Sleep and Falling Asleep InstantlyA viral Reddit thread has sparked discussions about sleep habits, with millennials sharing their experiences with 'rawdogging' sleep - falling asleep instantly without any aids. Some users boast about their ability to fall asleep at will, while others confess to relying on various sleep aids like podcasts, fans, or white noise machines.
Read more »
Poor Sleep Hurts Work ProductivityGot brain fog? Can't concentrate because you didn't sleep well -- or sleep much at all -- last night?
Read more »
These Foods Can Help You Sleep BetterNutritionist and sleep expert, Dr. St-Onge, shares foods that can improve your sleep quality. Tryptophan, found in turkey and other sources, plays a role in serotonin and melatonin production, crucial for healthy sleep. Other beneficial foods include whole-grain carbs, healthy fats, and micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6, and folate. Conversely, poor diet can lead to poor sleep and cravings for unhealthy foods, creating a vicious cycle.
Read more »
Sedentary Work and Non-Traditional Schedules Linked to Sleep ProblemsA new study reveals that sedentary work and non-traditional work schedules significantly increase the risk of insomnia and sleep disturbances among employees.
Read more »