Stroke and sleep connection: During deep sleep, the brain regulates blood flow and oxygen supply. Without that balance, small vessels become vulnerable, which may raise the risk of mini-strokes over time (Image: Pexels)
We often brush off a bad night’s sleep as harmless. A cup of tea, a quick shower, and we move on. But a number of study results now suggest that those restless nights may be doing more than just making us cranky — they could be quietly harming our brains.
Neurologists around the world are seeing what they call a “hidden epidemic” of sleep-related brain stress. Studies from Europe and the United States show that people suffering from chronic sleep problems, such as insomnia, sleep apnoea, or restless-legs syndrome, face higher risks of stroke. These conditions can trigger fluctuations in blood pressure, lower oxygen levels, and spark inflammation, all of which strain the brain’s delicate network of blood vessels.
The connection between sleep and stroke is stronger than most people realise, Dr Sachin Adukia, Senior Consultant in Neurology, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, tells Moneycontrol. “People tend to think of sleep as optional, but it’s one of the most important forms of preventive medicine,” he adds.
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Sleep, he says, acts as a nightly tune-up for the brain. “When we sleep well, the brain clears waste proteins, balances hormones, and restores communication between nerve cells,” Dr Adukia says. When sleep is cut short or constantly disturbed, the system falters. The expert explains, “During deep sleep, the brain regulates blood flow and oxygen supply. Without that balance, small vessels become vulnerable, which may raise the risk of mini-strokes over time.”
How to improve your sleep
Dr Adukia suggests the following tips that will help you sleep better:
- Keep your sleep schedule steady
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day — yes, even on weekends. A recent UK study found that irregular sleep timing alone can increase the risk of stroke. “Our body clock doesn’t take a holiday. Regularity helps your brain and heart work in sync,” says Dr Adukia.
Also read | Have resistant hypertension? Cardiologist says you’re at a higher risk of brain stroke
- Focus on sleep quality, not just hours
While 7-8 hours is an ideal sleep time, how you sleep also matters. Limit caffeine after lunch, keep the lights dim, and abstain from using screens before bed. Also, keeping the room cosy and cool helps.
- Don’t ignore loud snoring
Snoring is a common problem. However, chronic snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep may suggest obstructive sleep apnoea. It is a treatable condition that doubles stroke risk. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, says Dr Adukia, can greatly reduce this risk when used regularly.
- Build good sleep hygiene
Good sleep rarely just happens; it’s prepared for. Create a winding-down routine. Avoid that after-dinner coffee, skip the late-night scrolling, and try gentle stretching or reading instead.
- Combine this with balanced meals, exercise, limited alcohol, and avoiding tobacco
“Sleep fits into the larger picture of lifestyle. Healthy habits work together to protect your brain,” Dr Adukia notes. We can’t always control our stress or our schedules, but we can give sleep its due respect. Each night of good rest is a small act of care for the brain, one that could keep it strong and resilient for years to come.
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FAQs on Causes of Brain Stroke
1. What are the main causes of brain stroke?
Chronic sleep problems like insomnia, sleep apnoea, and restless-legs syndrome can increase stroke risk by causing blood pressure fluctuations, lower oxygen levels, and inflammation.
2. How does poor sleep affect the brain?
Poor sleep disrupts the brain’s nightly tune-up, affecting waste protein clearance, hormone balance, and communication between nerve cells, which can increase stroke risk.
3. Why is regular sleep important for brain health?
Regular sleep helps the brain regulate blood flow and oxygen supply, keeping small blood vessels healthy and reducing the risk of mini-strokes over time.
4. Can snoring indicate a higher risk of stroke?
Yes, chronic snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep may suggest obstructive sleep apnoea, a treatable condition that doubles stroke risk.
5. What lifestyle changes can improve sleep and reduce stroke risk?
Maintain a steady sleep schedule, focus on sleep quality, practice good sleep hygiene, and combine it with balanced meals, regular exercise, limited alcohol, and avoiding tobacco.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.