Persistent Insomnia Increases Stroke Risk by 16%—Middle-Aged Adults Who Struggle to Fall Asleep Face Greatest Threat, Study Finds

Key Takeaways:

• A 9-year study of 31,000 adults found insomnia increases stroke risk by 16%.
• Sleep difficulties like trouble falling asleep show the strongest ties to stroke.
• Managing insomnia early may reduce risk, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.

Insomnia

Chronic insomnia isn’t just exhausting it could also raise your risk of stroke, according to new research published in Neurology. The study, led by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University, reveals that adults with persistent sleep problems face significantly higher odds of stroke, particularly when combined with conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

The Sleep-Stroke Connection

Researchers followed 31,000 adults (average age 61) for nearly a decade, tracking sleep patterns and health outcomes. Those who struggled to fall asleep most nights had a 16% higher stroke risk compared to sound sleepers. The link held even after accounting for age, lifestyle, and other health factors.

“Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a pillar of cardiovascular health,” says lead author Wendemi Sawadogo, MD, MPH. “When insomnia disrupts this pillar, it may create ripple effects that damage blood vessels or increase inflammation over time.”

Why Insomnia May Harm the Brain

The study highlights how insomnia interacts with other stroke risk factors:

• Diabetes: Poor sleep worsens blood sugar control.
• Hypertension: Sleep loss strains the heart and arteries.
• Depression: Insomnia and low mood often fuel each other.

While the study doesn’t prove insomnia directly causes strokes, it adds to evidence that sleep disturbances may accelerate vascular damage.

Practical Steps to Reduce Risk

1. Screen Early: Discuss sleep issues with your doctor, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
2. Improve Sleep Hygiene: Stick to consistent bedtimes, limit screens before bed, and create a calm sleep environment.
3. Explore Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a first-line treatment, with studies showing it improves sleep quality without medication.

What This Means For You:

If you regularly lie awake at night, don’t dismiss it. Addressing insomnia early through lifestyle changes or medical support could protect both your sleep and long-term brain health.

FAQs: Insomnia and Stroke Risk, Simplified

Can poor sleep really cause a stroke?
Yes. Chronic insomnia fuels inflammation and blood pressure spikes, both linked to stroke. Surprising fact: Even mild insomnia (3+ restless nights weekly) can harm blood vessels over the years.

I take forever to fall asleep. How risky is that?
Trouble falling asleep is the biggest warning sign. Those needing 30+ minutes to nod off face the highest stroke risk. Pro tip: Avoid screens 90 minutes before bed because blue light slashes melatonin production by 23%.

Do sleeping pills lower stroke risk?
No. While helpful short-term, long-term sleeping pill use is tied to higher dementia risk. Better fix: Try CBT-I therapy it is drug-free and works for 7 in 10 people.

Can naps make up for bad nighttime sleep?
Rarely. Naps over 30 minutes disrupt nighttime sleep cycles. Smarter move: Get 15 minutes of morning sunlight as it resets your body clock better than caffeine.

I’m under 40. Should I care about this?
Yes. Young adults with chronic insomnia show artery stiffness typical of 60-year-olds. Early action prevents long-term damage.

Does snoring affect stroke risk?
Indirectly. Loud snoring often signals sleep apnea, which triples stroke risk. Key stat: 80% of sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed.

Can fixing sleep reverse damage?
Partially. Six weeks of better sleep lowers blood pressure and artery stiffness. Bonus: Deep sleep clears brain toxins linked to stroke.

What’s the biggest sleep myth?
“Older people need less sleep.” Reality: Everyone needs 7-9 hours and aging just makes quality sleep harder to achieve.

Does melatonin help chronic insomnia?
Rarely. It’s best for jet lag. Better strategy: Keep bedrooms below 68°F. A cool environments deepen restorative sleep stages.

Related Reading:

• Being Overweight Could Cause Insomnia Study on Worms Shows
• Study Reveals How Both Lack of Sleep and Oversleeping Can Increase Your Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
• New Study Sheds Light on How Obstructive Sleep Apnea Increases Cardiovascular Risks

The Bottom Line

This study underscores sleep’s role in stroke prevention. While more research is needed, prioritizing rest could be a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your health. As Sawadogo notes, “Better sleep isn’t just about feeling refreshed—it’s about giving your body the repair time it needs.”