Study Links Sleep Problems to Stroke Risk, Recovery

Too little or too much sleep may be a risk factor for stroke and might hinder recovery, new research suggests. The review of 29 previously published studies found that sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea are related to stroke risk and recovery.

“Sleep disturbances are more prevalent in stroke patients, even more than in the general population,” said lead researcher Dr. Dirk Hermann. He’s a professor of neurology at University Hospital Essen in Germany.

Evidence has existed for a number of years that sleep apnea, a sleep-related breathing disorder that is common in elderly patients and especially so in those who’ve had a stroke, is a risk factor for stroke, he said.

Some studies show that sleep apnea was present before the stroke and may have contributed to the risk. Further, patients with more severe sleep apnea may have more severe strokes, the researchers said.

“Treating sleep apnea with a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP), which prevents the airway from collapsing during sleep, may reduce the risk for stroke,” Hermann suggested.

“Stroke patients should be diagnosed for sleep apnea and also treated, which is not systematically done,” he said.

Other sleep disorders, such as insomnia and hypersomnia (excessive sleep), are also risk factors for stroke, Hermann added. “Wakeful sleep can raise blood pressure, which can increase the risk for stroke,” he explained.

In addition, sleep problems can affect recovery from a stroke, according to the report.



Sleep disorders seen in stroke patients include restless legs syndrome, which is when a person has uncomfortable sensations and the irresistible urge to move the legs, particularly in the evening, along with periodic leg kicks and jerking at night. Restless legs syndrome may contribute to sleep disturbances and reduce sleep quality, the study authors noted.

“After a stroke, sleep has restorative functions for your brain,” Hermann said. “Sleep is important for the ability of the neurons [brain cells] to connect, and after a stroke, these neurons have to reconnect to compensate for the lost function. This explains why disturbed sleep affects recovery from stroke,” he said.

The report was published online Aug. 3 in the journal Neurology.

My Take:
Poor quality sleep is one of the most common complaints in my patient population. It is a vital factor in general health and a key indicator of your health status. This study goes a step further demonstrating how important sleep is in recovering from a health issue like a stroke.

Restless leg syndrome is a common neurological phenomena that dramatically reduces the quality of sleep. Please review my recent blog of the use of Velvet Bean in the treatment of this condition.

The Bottom Line:
If you have insomnia, either onset or maintenance, or any other sleep disorder do not ignore these symptoms. Sleep medications only cover up the symptoms and have significant side effects. Please consult your health care provider to address this health threat.

Source: August 3, 2016 National Institutes of Health