Sleep is essential for our overall health and wellbeing. It helps our bodies regenerate, repair and re-energize for the next day.

However, many people are sacrificing sleep in order to fit more activities into their already busy lives, and this could be putting them at risk for a stroke.

The Study

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Alabama found that people who sleep less than six hours per night are four times more likely to suffer a stroke than those who sleep for seven or eight hours a night.

The study looked at data from over 30,000 adults who were part of the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.

The researchers followed up with the participants over the course of six years, and during that time, 29% of them didn’t get enough sleep.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cells to die. This can result in disability or even death. There are two main types of strokes:.

Ischemic Stroke – This is the most common type of stroke, and it occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a blood clot or other substance.
Hemorrhagic Stroke – This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding.

Why Does Lack of Sleep Increase Stroke Risk?

The researchers aren’t exactly sure why lack of sleep increases stroke risk, but one theory is that it puts stress on the body. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more stress hormones, which can raise your blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.

Another theory is that lack of sleep disrupts the body’s natural rhythms and processes, which can lead to inflammation and other health problems. Inflammation is also a risk factor for stroke.

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Older adults may need slightly less, around seven to eight hours per night.

However, everyone’s sleep needs are different, and some people may need more or less sleep than others. It’s important to pay attention to your body and how you feel after a certain amount of sleep.

If you’re consistently tired or feel like you’re not getting enough sleep, you may need to adjust your sleeping habits.

Tips for Better Sleep

If you’re having trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can try to improve your sleep habits:.

Stick to a regular sleep schedule – Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine – Take a warm bath, read a book, or listen to calming music before bed.
Avoid electronics before bed – The blue light from phones, tablets, and computers can disrupt your sleep.
Create a sleep-friendly environment – Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed – Both of these can interfere with your sleep.

The Bottom Line

Sleep is incredibly important for our overall health, and not getting enough sleep can have serious consequences. If you’re consistently not getting enough sleep, you could be putting yourself at risk for a stroke.

Make sure to prioritize sleep and establish healthy sleep habits to reduce your risk.