Sleep is a vital part of our daily routine. When we get a good amount of quality sleep, we wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. However, when we don’t get the sleep our bodies need, not only do we feel tired and sluggish, but we also put ourselves at risk for certain chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Additionally, poor sleep can speed up the aging process. One particularly concerning health risk associated with poor sleep quality is stroke.
A “Brain Attack” Linked to Sleep Problems
Stroke is a sudden attack on the brain that can occur at any age and can result in death or permanent paralysis. Disturbingly, strokes are alarmingly common in people with sleep issues. In recent years, four large-scale scientific studies involving over 4.5 million participants discovered a significant association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) — such as sleep apnea — and stroke.
A more recent scientific review conducted by German researchers analyzed 29 separate studies that included a total of 2,343 people. They found that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and sleep-wake disturbance (SWD) disorders:
- Increase your risk for the first stroke
- Increase your risk for a secondary (second) stroke
- Slow down your recovery after a stroke
Addressing Your Sleep Problems
Sadly, addressing chronic sleep issues is often easier said than done. The first step a person with a sleep disorder should take is to consult a sleep specialist. For example, if you suffer from sleep apnea, a sleep specialist may prescribe a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to help improve your breathing and sleep quality.
For individuals dealing with insomnia, there are multiple at-home remedies that may help improve sleep without the need to consult a specialist:
- Try natural sleep aids like melatonin, valerian, kava, hops, or St. John’s wort. Also, drinking a few ounces of tart cherry juice an hour before bedtime can be effective.
- Use a white noise machine to help soothe you to sleep.
- Consider alternative therapies like acupuncture.
- Exercise regularly, as physical activity has been shown to improve sleep.
- Practice meditation or other relaxation techniques.
- Avoid caffeine, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.
- Reduce screen time by turning off electronic devices with bright screens at least two hours before bedtime.
One crucial piece of advice for those taking prescription sleep aids: consider switching to a natural alternative, as these medications can increase mortality risks comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes per day.
Prioritize Your Sleep
With the strong connection between sleep problems and stroke risk, it is crucial to prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. By making a conscious effort to address and improve sleep issues, individuals can help reduce their risk of stroke and improve their overall health and well-being. So don’t take your sleep for granted. Address your sleep problems to live a healthier, happier life.
