According to a new study, long periods of sleep may be a major cause of concern. For those that take long naps during the day, or that sleep in excess of nine hours on a nightly basis, they may be at a higher risk of suffering from a stroke.
Researchers found that people who slept for nine or more hours each night were 23 percent more likely to suffer from a stroke than the rest of the population. Compared to people who napped for 30 minutes or less per day, people who took midday naps lasting 90 minutes or longer were 25 percent more likely to suffer from a stroke, too. People who fit into both of these categories were 85 percent more likely to suffer from a stroke. Poor sleep quality also seemed to be a risk factor, regardless of how much those people were sleeping.
This new set of information comes from the American Academy of Neurology. Their findings were recently published in the medical journal Neurology. The study took place in China, a country where midday napping is a far more common practice than it is here in the United States.
One of the big questions that this raises is, why does sleep work as an indicator of stroke? For starters, it does need to be pointed out that this is not a cause and effect study. Excessive amounts of sleep do not necessarily cause stroke. Still, it does seem like there is a strong relationship between the two.
Unfortunately, it’s really hard to tell what that relationship is more with precision. This study made no attempt to figure that out. However, the researchers did note that the study focused on senior citizens in China. This information cannot be readily applied to other populations with any guaranteed accuracy. Until more research is done in this area, we won’t know much about the association between the two.
That doesn’t leave us at a loss, though. If someone you know–or even yourself–does sleep excessively, preventative steps can be taken. The longer than average amounts of sleep that are occurring may be a signal that a visit to the doctor is the next step to talk about heart healthy practices that can be adopted to avoid the possibility of a stroke.
Ultimately, each individual is unique. Some people need more sleep and rest than others. If this is an area that concerns you, excessive sleep isn’t an automatic reason to worry. However, it might be a good idea to consult with a doctor. Under their supervision, you and your family can get a more complete picture of your health and know with more certainty whether or not action is needed. Instead of a solitary warning bell, long periods of sleep might just be one of several warning signs that you should be on the lookout. It’s important to speak with a doctor if you do have concerns regarding sleep.
Good senior care focuses on preventing problems before they begin. This may be another area where you can help your family live healthier.
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