Sleep as a risk factor for stroke

Both short and long amounts of sleep have been linked to an increased risk of stroke. Studies have shown that consistently sleeping less than six hours or more than eight hours per night may increase stroke risk1.

Sleep pattens can impact blood pressure regulation, inflammation, glucose metabolism and blood vessel walls and control the flow of fluids. Regularly waking up, difficulty falling asleep, and sleep disorders like sleep apnoea have also been linked to a higher risk of stroke2.

If you are not getting enough or good quality sleep, a consistent sleep routine can make a big difference.

What is a healthy sleep routine?

A healthy sleep routine is important for overall health and may help reduce the risk of stroke.

Quality sleep starts in the morning. Research shows that getting morning sunlight can help you fall asleep easier at night. So can regular physical activity, good nutrition and avoiding caffeine and alcohol too close to bedtime (or altogether)3.

A consistent, calming bedtime routine can also help you fall and stay asleep. Going to bed and getting up at fixed times, unwinding before bed and ensuring that your sleep environment is dark, cool and comfortable.

Sleep and stroke risk: Key points

The relationship between sleep and stroke risk can vary among individuals. Some people may be more affected than others by short or poor-quality sleep.

Lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet and stress are often associated with sleep patterns and can also independently affect stroke risk. For example, lack of exercise or poor diet may contribute to both poor sleep and increased stroke risk.

If taking steps to improve your sleep routine is not enough, speak to your family doctor or a sleep specialist. You may benefit from more targeted intervention, such as medication or certain therapies.

References

  1. Zhou Lue, Yu Kuai, Yang Liangle, Wang Hao, Xiao Yang, Qiu Gaokun et al. Sleep duration, midday napping, and sleep quality and incident stroke: The Dongfeng-Tongji cohort Neurology. 2020. 94(4) e345-e356. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000008739
  2. Christine Eileen McCarthy, Salim Yusuf, Conor Judge, Alberto Alvarez-Iglesias, Graeme J. Hankey, Shahram Oveisgharan, Albertino Damasceno et al. Sleep patterns and the risk of acute stroke: Results From the INTERSTROKE international case-control study. Neurology. 2023. 100 (21) e2191-e2203. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000207249    
  3. Dae Lim Koo, Hyunwoo Nam, Robert J Thomas, Chang-Ho Yun et al. Sleep Disturbances as a Risk Factor for Stroke. J Stroke. 2018. Jan;20(1):12-32. https://doi.org/10.5853/jos.2017.02887

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