People who suffer from insomnia have a much higher risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system, including stroke , than those who have no problems falling asleep. These were the results of a study published in the journal of the American Heart Association.
The risk of a stroke increases significantly if insomnia appears at an early age. Taiwanese scientists examined the data of more than 21 thousand volunteers suffering from insomnia and 64 thousand people who have no problems with sleep. After analyzing the data, it turned out that insomnia increases the chances of subsequent hospitalization due to a stroke by 54% over the next 4 years from the onset of the disease.
Specialists from the Chi-Mei Medical Center in Taiwan are convinced that the clinical importance of monitoring young people suffering from insomnia should be enhanced. Treating insomnia with medication or cognitive therapy is critical to reducing the risk of stroke.
The mechanism of the relationship of stroke with insomnia has not yet been fully studied, but medical practice proves that insomnia can lead to inflammatory processes of internal organs, impaired glucose tolerance and increased blood pressure. Some psychological and behavioral factors, in particular physical activity, smoking, alcohol, diet and stress, can also affect the patient’s condition.
According to scientists, the findings of experts in other countries also indicate a relationship between insomnia and an increased risk of stroke.