Recent research indicates that a person’s sleep patterns could have implications for their long-term health. Poor quality or quantity of sleep can wreak havoc on your physical health and mental well-being, and it’s now linked to an increased risk of strokes.
In this blog post, we will explore the various findings about how inadequate sleep is associated with high risks for stroke, including some potential treatments and preventative strategies to help manage this potentially life-threatening condition.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for health and well-being. However, it’s not always easy to achieve. A variety of sleep problems can affect our ability to get quality rest, including getting too much or too little sleep, taking long naps, snoring, snorting, and sleep apnea. These issues can significantly impact our daily lives, leaving us feeling exhausted, irritable, and less productive. According to a new study, it can also raise the risk of stroke.
The international study included 4,496 people, half of which had suffered a stroke. The average age of all participants was 62. Each was asked about their sleep behaviors, including how many hours of sleep they got, sleep quality, napping, snoring, snorting, and breathing problems during sleep.
Researchers found that participants who slept for too many or too few hours were likelier to have a stroke than those who slept for an appropriate amount of hours. A total of 162 of those who had a stroke got less than five hours of sleep, compared to 43 of those who did not have a stroke. And 151 of those who had a stroke got more than nine hours of sleep a night, compared to 84 of those who did not have a stroke.
Participants who got less than five hours of sleep were three times more likely to have a stroke than those who got seven hours of sleep on average. However, it wasn’t just those who were lacking in sleep that was affected. Researchers also found that participants who got more than nine hours of sleep were twice as likely to have a stroke.
Breathing problems such as snoring, snorting, and sleep apnea were also assessed during the study. Those who snored were 91% more likely to have a stroke than those who did not. People who snorted in their sleep were nearly three times more likely to have a stroke than those who did not. Participants with sleep apnea were nearly three times more likely to have a stroke than those who did not have the condition.
The results remained the same after adjusting for other factors that could affect stroke risks, such as smoking, physical activity, depression, and alcohol consumption.
“With these results, doctors could have earlier conversations with people who are having sleep problems,” study author Christine Mc Carthy, MB, BCh, BAO said. “Interventions to improve sleep may also reduce the risk of stroke and should be the subject of future research.”
Promoting Optimal Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can be a challenge for many individuals who struggle with insomnia or disruptions to their sleep cycle. However, implementing a few simple tips can make achieving a restful night’s sleep easier. For starters, turning off all electronic devices a few hours before bedtime can help to reduce stimulation and promote relaxation.
Additionally, limiting caffeine consumption and engaging in calming activities like yoga can also work wonders for better sleep. Getting enough sun exposure during the day can also help regulate our body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
Sleep Sure Plus can also help promote optimal sleep and restfulness through a variety of ingredients. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone essential for regulating the circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide a better quality of sleep.
By incorporating these small changes into your routine, you can set yourself up for a more restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep and help protect your heart health and brain function.