A study published on Wednesday (5) in the scientific journal Neurologyfrom the American Academy of Neurology, reveals that sleeping problems are associated with an increased risk of stroke (cerebrovascular accident), popularly known as stroke.
Scientists understand problems sleeping too much or too little, taking long naps, poor quality sleep, snoring, wheezing while sleeping and sleep apnea.
One of the risk factors for stroke is high blood pressure. Previous studies have shown that people who sleep poorly are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
The study analyzed data from 4,496 people, of whom 2,243 had a stroke, and compared them with another 2,253 who had not suffered a stroke. Their average age was 62 years.
All were asked about the number of hours they slept, the quality of sleep, naps they took during the day, snoring and breathing problems during sleep.
In the end, the study authors observed a higher incidence of stroke among participants who reported sleeping less than five hours a night or more than nine hours.
Among those who slept a few hours, the risk of having a stroke was three times greater than that observed among those who had a duration of sleep considered normal (seven hours).
Those who slept nine hours had twice the risk compared to those who slept seven hours.
The prolonged naps during the day also represent a problem, in the view of the researchers. Those who had this habit were 88% more likely to suffer a stroke.
The increased risk of a stroke among participants who reported snoring was 91%, and in those who had obstructive sleep apnea it was three times.
The authors of the study were careful to take into account other risk factors that could impact the outcome of a stroke, such as smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption and depression. After adjustment, the numbers remained similar.
“Our results suggest that sleep problems should be a focus area for stroke prevention,” says in a statement one of the study’s authors, researcher Christina McCarthy, from the University of Galway, Ireland.
According to her, “interventions to improve sleep may also reduce the risk of stroke and should be the subject of future research.”
Here are seven tips to get to sleep quickly and sleep with quality