Bad sleep turned out to be more dangerous than thought: an unexpected detail

An analysis of data from 1.3 million people showed that insomnia is associated with a 26% increased risk of stroke and a 28% increased risk of hospitalization. Doctors explain the mechanisms of poor sleep's impact on the cardiovascular system, but note that the relationship may be bidirectional. The article also discusses treatments for insomnia.

A meta-analysis of six studies involving 1.3 million people, published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews, found that insomnia is associated with a 26% increased risk of stroke and a 28% increased risk of hospitalization from any cause. Doctors explain that poor sleep contributes to inflammation, blood clot formation, and elevated cortisol levels, which can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate. However, neurologist Christopher Winter notes that the relationship may be bidirectional: people predisposed to stroke are often also predisposed to insomnia. Treatment for insomnia includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which is considered the gold standard. The article also references an earlier 2023 study published in the journal Neurology, which confirms the link between insomnia symptoms and stroke, especially in people under 50.