Under six hours sleep ups stroke risk

Adults of normal weight who regularly sleep for less than six hours a night are at higher risk of stroke, according to a new study.

US research found a strong link between getting under six hours sleep and greater risk of stroke symptoms.

Stroke symptoms can increase in middle-aged adults due to shorter sleep periods, the research found.

The study followed over 5,500 people for three years who had no history of stroke or exhibited stroke symptoms.

Participants were also at low risk for obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition that causes a person to go without breath for up to 40 seconds and is generally found in people who are obese.

There was no association between under six hours of sleep and stroke risk in middle-aged people who were overweight or obese.

Lead author Dr Megan Ruiter of the University of Alabama said in employed middle-aged and older adults, relatively free of major stroke risks such such as obesity and apnoea, short sleep duration may by itself influence stroke development.

The results of the research are being presented at the SLEEP 2012 meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.

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[Posted: Mon 11/06/2012]