Sleep impacts stroke risk

A new study suggests that sleep problems could be linked to an increased risk of stroke. Researchers found that snoring, poor sleep quality, sleep apnea, and sleeping too much or too little may be associated with a greater likelihood of suffering a stroke. The study, published in the journal Neurology, examined nearly 4,500 people, including over 2,200 stroke survivors, with participants an average age of 62. Those who slept for less than five hours a night were found to be three times more likely to have a stroke than those who slept for an average of seven hours, while those who slept for more than nine hours were twice as likely to suffer from a stroke. Those who snore during sleep were found to be 91% more likely to have a stroke, while participants with sleep apnea were nearly three times more likely to suffer from a stroke. According to Dr. Christine McCarthy, the study’s author, the results suggest that sleep problems should be an area of focus for stroke prevention. She also suggested that interventions to improve sleep could potentially reduce the risk of stroke and should be the subject of future research. However, the study has limitations, with people reporting their own symptoms of sleep problems, and it cannot prove a cause and effect relationship. The study adjusted for other factors that affect stroke risk, including smoking, physical activity, depression, and alcohol consumption, but still got similar results. McCarthy added that with these results, doctors could have earlier conversations with people who are having sleep problems.