Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability among Americans. Though revolutionary treatments and medical advancements have been made in stroke care, prevention is still the best medicine. One simple way we can reduce our risk of a stroke is by getting a good night’s sleep.
The American Heart Association found that Americans suffering with insomnia were at a 54% increased risk of hospitalization from stroke, especially among young people. They also found people between the ages of 18 – 34 with insomnia were eight times more likely to suffer from a stroke.
If you find yourself tossing and turning, taking hour-long naps, waking in the middle of the night, and snoring, you could be at a greater risk for a stroke. Poor sleep quality can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammation and can affect the metabolism, leading to weight gain. These are all risk factors for a stroke.
On average, adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Those who slept less than five hours a night were three times more likely to have a stroke. People with sleep apnea – a condition in which you repeatedly stop breathing – were also three times more likely to have a stroke.
Sleep studies have shown that sleeping too much can also affect your risk for a stroke. Adults who slept more than nine hours a night on average were 23% more likely to suffer from a stroke, and people who frequently took naps longer than 30 minutes had a 24% risk increase.
Sleep issues do not directly cause a stroke, but they are associated with them. Some underlying causes of sleep problems could be due to undiagnosed sleep apnea, depression, smoking, drinking alcohol, or living a sedentary lifestyle. If you find yourself sleeping more than nine hours a night, or not much at all, taking midday naps, or are concerned about a potential sleep disorder, talk to your physician about seeing a sleep specialist.
The SleepCare Center at Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which represents the gold standard of patient care in sleep medicine. Our experts will evaluate your sleep for a variety of disorders, and work with your referring provider on a treatment plan.
Sleep is essential to your health. Our highly trained sleep center physicians offer the latest optimal treatments for a variety of conditions such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorders, disruptive sleep behaviors, and abnormal brain waves and heart rate. Poor sleep doesn’t just increase your risk of certain health conditions, it can also lead to accidents and cognitive issues that can affect your performance at work or school.
1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep, according to the CDC. If you find you are getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night, speak with your doctor about a referral to the SleepCare Center. Our dedicated team of professionals are committed to helping you achieve a better night’s sleep, so you can regain your quality of life and enjoy your waking hours again.
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Call (716) 706-2112
