{"id":869067,"date":"2026-10-03T05:48:30","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T05:48:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/869067\/"},"modified":"2026-10-03T05:48:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T05:48:30","slug":"a-common-sleep-problem-might-boost-your-stroke-risk-by-26-new-study-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/869067\/","title":{"rendered":"A Common Sleep Problem Might Boost Your Stroke Risk by 26%, New Study Finds"},"content":{"rendered":"

Anyone who lives with insomnia knows it can make it difficult to get through your day. But trouble sleeping<\/a> can do more than leave you groggy\u2014it may also raise your risk of experiencing a stroke, as new research suggests.<\/p>\n

The review, which was published in Sleep Medicine Reviews<\/a>, analyzed data from 1.3 million total participants from six previous studies that looked at risk factors for stroke, occupational injuries, and hospitalizations. The researchers discovered that people who had insomnia had a 26% higher risk of stroke\u2014and a 28% higher risk of being hospitalized for any reason.<\/p>\n

The link between insomnia and stroke might seem random, but doctors say it makes sense. \u201cSleep affects many aspects of health and well-being, and should be taken seriously,\u201d says Beth Malow, M.D<\/a>., a neurologist and chief of the Division of Sleep Disorders at Vanderbilt Health.<\/p>\n

But the association between the two conditions is likely more complicated than it seems, according to W. Christopher Winter, M.D<\/a>., a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n

Meet the experts: Beth Malow, M.D<\/a>., a neurologist and chief of the Division of Sleep Disorders at Vanderbilt Health; W. Christopher Winter, M.D<\/a>., a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine; Christopher Yi, M.D<\/a>., a vascular surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA<\/p>\n

What\u2019s behind the link?<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t the first body of research to find an association between insomnia and a higher risk of stroke. A 2023 Neurology<\/a> data analysis of 31,126 adults concluded that those who reported insomnia symptoms were more likely to experience a stroke <\/a>during the nine-year follow-up\u2014and the link was particularly strong in adults under the age of 50.<\/p>\n

Insomnia, which is defined<\/a> as trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep for three or more nights a week, may raise the risk of stroke in a few different ways, according to doctors. \u201cSleep disruption contributes to inflammation<\/a>, increased blood clots<\/a>, and other factors that can bring on a stroke,\u201d Dr. Malow says.<\/p>\n

Poor sleep also increases your body\u2019s release of the stress hormone cortisol, according to Christopher Yi, M.D<\/a>., a vascular surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Over time, this can contribute to raised blood pressure<\/a>, increased heart rate, and more, he says. \u201cThese changes can promote [plaque build-up in the arteries] and potentially increase the risk of heart attack and stroke,\u201d Dr. Yi says.<\/p>\n

Insomnia may also negatively affect your metabolism, raising the chances of weight gain, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for stroke, per Dr. Yi.<\/p>\n

But the link between insomnia and stroke may go both ways, according to Dr. Winter. \u201cPeople who are predisposed to have a stroke are very much predisposed to have insomnia or conditions that interfere with sleep quality and consistency,\u201d he says. \u201cThe reverse is true as well, that insomnia predisposes to cardiovascular disease and stroke, especially since \u2018insomnia\u2019 is often a term that is poorly defined and almost a stand-in for \u2018bad sleep.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

There are a lot of available treatments for insomnia<\/p>\n

While the study didn\u2019t look into whether treating insomnia can reduce stroke risk, doctors say that taking care of your sleep can help lower your chances of developing some of the risk factors for stroke. Basically, insomnia should be treated, not ignored.<\/p>\n

Insomnia can be treated in a range of ways, including improving sleep hygiene, taking certain medications, and undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute <\/a>(NHLBI).<\/p>\n

But proper treatment for insomnia often involves looking at what\u2019s fueling the lack of sleep, Dr. Winter says, pointing out that insomnia can be a symptom and a diagnosis. In some cases, there\u2019s a physical reason contributing to it. \u201cWhen insomnia is a symptom, we figure out what the underlying disorder is\u2014sleep apnea<\/a>, medication effect, anxiety, restless legs\u2014and treat the disorder,\u201d Dr. Winter says.<\/p>\n

In others, when insomnia is the diagnosis, doctors will often use cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to figure out the feelings and beliefs that are affecting sleep, he explains. In fact, it\u2019s often considered the gold standard for insomnia treatment.<\/p>\n

\u201cCBT-I can be really helpful, as it addresses a wide range of treatment options and also works on helping patients change their beliefs about sleep,\u201d Dr. Malow says. \u201cFor example, \u2018if I don\u2019t sleep well tonight, I will have a horrible day tomorrow,\u2019 which can make insomnia even worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

When to see a sleep specialist for insomnia<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been having trouble sleeping, and it\u2019s not getting better despite trying some sleep-hygiene changes, doctors say it\u2019s time to consult with a healthcare professional about next steps. \u201cReach out to your primary care provider or see a sleep specialist for more support,\u201d Dr. Malow says. \u201cA sleep specialist can also make sure there isn\u2019t a medical reason, like obstructive sleep apnea, for your insomnia.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Winter recommends taking action sooner rather than later. \u201cEarly is better,\u201d he says. \u201cInsomnia\u2014and cardiovascular disease\u2014are easier to manage early in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n

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