from journal Neurology
Problems with sleep may set us up for a stroke—and the greater number of sleep issues, the greater could be the risk. An international study matched people who had a stroke with people who did not. Among the sleep behaviors that elevated risk of stroke were sleeping less than five hours or more than nine. Taking long naps or having breathing problems during sleep also increased risk of stroke. The study, in the journal Neurology, found that while each of these sleep issues increased risk of stroke, there was also a cumulative increased risk. Even taking into consideration other factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity, the sleep problems still pointed to increased risk of stroke. Getting treatment for them may lower risk.