Researchers
at the University of Galway in Ireland have published a study showing
that sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and snoring, could all increase the risk of stroke. The study found that having more than five symptoms could lead to five times the risk of stroke compared to those with no sleep problems.
- The research also revealed that sleeping less than five hours a night was associated with a threefold increase in stroke risk.
- Sleeping more than nine hours was associated with a twofold increase.
- The study,
which analyzed data from over 4,500 people participating in a large
international case-control study of stroke patients, showed that snoring
was associated with a 91% increase in stroke risk and snorting almost
three times that.
- Napping for over an hour was associated with an 88% increase in stroke risk.
- However, a nap planned for less than an hour was not associated with increased stroke risk.
- The research highlighted that it could only demonstrate an association between sleep problems and stroke, not causation.
- Research suggested that good sleep hygiene,
a healthy diet, and regular exercise were vital to reducing sleep
disorders' negative impact and stroke and cardiovascular risk.
