A new study has found a link between sleeping hours and stroke risk. The research, published in Neurology, suggests that people who sleep for less than 6 hours a night have an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

What is the study?

The study involved over 17,000 adults who were followed up for up to 10 years. The participants were asked about their sleeping habits, and their medical records were analysed to see if they had suffered a stroke or cardiovascular disease.

The results showed that people who had less than 6 hours of sleep per night had a 23% increased risk of stroke and a 24% increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who slept for 7 to 8 hours a night.

Why does lack of sleep lead to stroke?

There are a few theories as to why lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of stroke. Firstly, sleep deprivation can cause inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

This can then lead to atherosclerosis, which is a major risk factor for stroke.

Secondly, lack of sleep can cause an increase in blood pressure, which is also a risk factor for stroke.

When we sleep, our blood pressure decreases, so not getting enough sleep can cause our blood pressure to stay elevated for longer periods of time, putting us at greater risk.

What are the other risks of not getting enough sleep?

Not getting enough sleep can have a number of negative effects on our health, including:.

Increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes
Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Impaired immune function
Decreased cognitive function and memory

How much sleep do we need?

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults should aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night. However, everyone is different, and some people may need more or less sleep to feel refreshed and energised.

If you are consistently getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night, it might be worth looking at your sleep habits and seeing if there are any changes you can make to improve your sleep quality.

This could include developing a regular sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and creating a calm and relaxing sleep environment.

What should you do if you are worried about your sleep?

If you are concerned about your sleep quality or if you are finding it difficult to get enough sleep, it is important to speak to your doctor. They may be able to offer advice and support to help you improve your sleep habits.

They may also be able to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your sleep problems, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.

Summary

The new study highlights the importance of getting enough sleep for our overall health and wellbeing.

Not only can lack of sleep lead to an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, but it can also have a number of other negative effects on our health.

If you are struggling to get enough sleep, it might be worth speaking to your doctor or making some changes to your sleep habits to help improve your sleep quality.