Do you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep? You’re not alone. Nearly one in three Americans suffers from insomnia. Chronic sleep deprivation can cause myriad side effects from difficulty concentrating to depression, and a recent study suggests that there is a link between sleep disorders and stroke. Screening for and treating insomnia is a proven way to preserve your long term health and prevent stroke. Insomnia and stroke can be linked by sleep apnea.
The Taiwanese sleep disorder study was conducted by the Chi-Mei Medical Center in partnership with Dr. Ya-Wen Hsu of the Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science. The study spanned four years and included 85,000 people. (21,000 of the participants suffered from insomnia and 64,000 had normal sleep patterns.) Research indicated that insomniacs have a 54% higher risk of being hospitalized for stroke. Younger insomniacs face even steeper odds; those in the 18-34 age bracket are eight times as likely as non-insomniacs to experience a stroke. The complete results of this study can be found in Stroke, an American Heart Association journal.
Although there’s a clear correlation between sleep disorders and stroke, scientists have yet to pinpoint exactly why. Research has shown that insomnia causes inflammation, which is linked to cardiovascular problems. Inflammation causes increased blood pressure and disrupts normal glucose levels, both of which can contribute to cardiac events.
Another recent sleep disorder study indicates that insomnia is caused by sleep disordered breathing, which is linked to stroke and atrial fibrillation (arrhythmia). Insomnia is commonly associated with racing thoughts or an inability to relax. While stress and other factors can contribute to restless nights, the root cause of insomnia is often physical. Insomniacs with breathing trouble wake frequently throughout the night—up to thirty times—due to an interruption in the flow of oxygen. Most people have no idea that disruptions in breathing are causing their insomnia. The complete results of this study appeared in the medical journal Sleep.
Effectively treating insomnia requires a clear picture of a patient’s sleep habits and sleep cycle. That’s why individuals who suffer from insomnia should consider participating in a clinical sleep study. Many healthcare providers are happy to prescribe sleep aids, but this is a one-size-fits-all approach with temporary results. Lasting relief from insomnia can only be achieved when the root cause is addressed. During your sleep study, a neurologist will record audio and video during your sleep cycle and study both closely to identify exactly what is triggering your periods of sleeplessness. Once the root cause of your insomnia has been identified, he or she will recommend a treatment tailored to your needs. In most cases, insomnia triggered by disordered breathing can be remedied with CPAP machines or dental inserts that improve airflow. Stress-induced insomnia can be treated effectively with cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques.
At Rowe Neurology Institute, we have the most current diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of sleep disorders, and a staff of neurologists and integrated caregivers who specialize in sleep disorders. We perform 1,500 in lab sleep studies annually in our nationally accredited sleep disorders center. We believe it’s extremely important for patients to see their sleep studies in detail. So they can be their best selves and have a full understanding of their sleep disorders. We show them how.