Did you know that lack of sleep increases stroke risk?
Researchers looked at the sleep habits of more than 5,000 people over a three-year period. Those researchers found that the individuals who slept less than six hours or less a night were four times more likely to suffer a stroke compared to those who got eight or more hours of sleep each night!
None of the individuals in the study had a history of stroke.
The study participants self-reported sleep duration and any stroke symptoms at six-month intervals.
Major risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco use, lack of exercise and obesity. Add now to this list lack of sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, these tips might help usher you to dream land:
- Be physically active every day
- Establish a bedtime routine
- Avoid alcohol, coffee and meals late at night
- Don’t watch TV in bed
- Take a midday nap if needed
- Avoid screens (smartphones, iPads, laptops) within 30 minutes of bedtime.
For more information, be sure to check out the Warning Signs of Stroke from the American Heart Association.
