Sleep problems increase stroke risk: Insomnia and excessive sleep are factors to watch

Until now, the benefits of quality and sufficient sleep duration on health have been frequently emphasized. However, a study has revealed that oversleeping can also negatively affect health.

Researchers from the University of Galway in Ireland examined data from 5,000 people who had suffered a stroke. It was determined that participants who slept more than nine hours a night had double the risk of having a stroke compared to those who slept seven hours. Furthermore, it was observed that individuals who slept less than five hours a night were three times more likely to have a stroke.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone sleep at least seven hours each night. However, data reveals that one-third of Americans do not follow this recommendation. Approximately one in every 20 people sleeps more than nine hours.

DEPRESSION, OBESITY, HEART DISEASE...

Sleep scientist Dr. Christine McCarthy, who led the study, said, "Our results show that sleep problems should be an important focus in reducing stroke risk. With these findings, doctors can pay more attention to people experiencing sleep problems."

Although it is not yet fully known how oversleeping increases the risk of stroke, scientists suggest that it may be a symptom of other health problems. Conditions such as a sedentary lifestyle, anemia, depression, and obesity are among the factors that increase the risk of stroke. Sleeping for long periods is also associated with many health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

In addition to this, insufficient sleep also increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, thereby raising the likelihood of having a stroke.

THOSE WHO SNORE, BEWARE!

In the latest published study, data from 5,000 people from 32 countries were examined. It was determined that the average age of the participants was 62 and two-thirds were male. Participants were asked to fill out a survey about their sleep habits, such as their sleep duration, quality of sleep, whether they took naps, and issues like snoring or breathing problems.

The results revealed that 151 people who had suffered a stroke slept more than nine hours a night. Additionally, it was determined that 162 people in the stroke group slept less than five hours a night, while this number was 43 among those who had not suffered a stroke.

Scientists found that people who experience snoring, which is a symptom of sleep apnea, are three times more likely to have a stroke compared to those who do not snore. According to the data, the probability of having a stroke is 91 percent higher for people who snore.