Both sleep quality and diet have a significant impact on the risk of suffering an ischemic stroke. A healthy diet can effectively reduce the risk of ischemic stroke associated with poor sleep.
A new study involving experts from Fudan University in China examined the individual and joint associations of sleep quality and dietary habits with non-fatal ischemic strokes. The results are published in the specialist journal “Nutrition”.
Studying the sleep of over 22,500 people
For the new research, a total of 22,536 participants who had never suffered a stroke were examined. The team used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and food frequency questions to assess participants' sleep quality and eating habits.
In addition, the experts determined the incidence of ischemic strokes to determine the connection between the quality of food consumed, the quality of sleep and the occurrence of an ischemic stroke.
Poor sleep increases risk
During the average follow-up period, a total of 665 participants developed an ischemic stroke. The experts found that poorer sleep quality was associated with an increased risk of a non-fatal ischemic stroke.
In addition, it was shown that a healthy diet mitigates the negative effects of poor sleep quality, the researchers report. Establishing healthy eating and sleeping habits offers many potential health benefits and may also protect against the development of ischemic stroke.
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The connection between sleep quality and stroke risk has also been confirmed by a previous study published in the English-language journal Neurology. According to the experts involved, sleep disorders can significantly increase the risk of an ischemic stroke.
Anyone who has difficulty falling asleep in the evening, wakes up early in the morning and cannot go back to sleep or experiences impairments during the day as a result of poor sleep shows a significantly increased risk of cerebrovascular or cardiovascular diseases.
When the three factors occurred simultaneously, those affected had a 22 percent increased risk of ischemic heart disease and a 10 percent increased risk of ischemic stroke, compared to participants who showed no symptoms of insomnia, the team reports.
Healthy sleep and healthy nutrition
Overall, the studies make it clear that sleep disorders significantly increase the risk of an ischemic stroke. However, this increased risk can be counteracted with a healthy diet. In order to protect yourself from an ischemic stroke, you should, in the best case scenario, make sure you get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. (as)
