As the sun sets and the darkness takes over, our bodies go through some changes that can affect our health. One of the most concerning is the increased risk of stroke.
Studies have shown that strokes are more likely to occur during the night than during the day, and the reasons behind this are complex.
The role of the body clock
Our bodies have an internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates many bodily functions. This includes when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy, as well as many other functions like hormone regulation and body temperature.
Recent research has shown that the circadian rhythm has an impact on stroke risk.
One study found that the risk of stroke was highest during the early morning hours, between 6 am and 8 am, which is when the body’s natural alertness is at its lowest.
Another study found that the risk of stroke was linked to the time of day that a person’s blood pressure was highest; in people with normal sleep-wake cycles, blood pressure typically peaks at night, while in those with disrupted sleep cycles, blood pressure may peak in the daytime as well.
The impact of disrupted sleep
Disrupted sleep is another factor that can increase the risk of stroke.
Sleep apnea, a condition that causes people to stop breathing multiple times during the night, is a common cause of sleep disturbance and has been linked to an increased risk of stroke. This is thought to be due to the fact that sleep apnea causes low oxygen levels and high blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for stroke.
Other factors that can disrupt sleep and increase stroke risk include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleeping pills.
It’s important to note that these factors don’t just affect older adults; younger people can also be at risk for stroke due to sleep disturbances.
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Increased stroke risk at night
The importance of sleep hygiene
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of stroke associated with disrupted sleep and the body clock. One of the most important is to maintain good sleep hygiene.
This includes getting enough sleep each night, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bedtime.
Other strategies that can help include maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and managing stress. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
The importance of treating sleep disorders
If you have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, it’s important to consider treatment options.
This may include lifestyle changes like losing weight, using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, or undergoing surgery.
In addition to these treatments, there are also medications available that can help manage sleep disorders. However, it’s important to note that these medications can have side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone.
A healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.
The bottom line
While it’s not possible to completely eliminate the risk of stroke, taking steps to maintain good sleep hygiene and treating sleep disorders can help reduce the likelihood of a stroke occurring.
By understanding the role of the body clock and the impact of disrupted sleep on stroke risk, we can work to protect our health even after dark.
