While sleep has been proven essential our well-being, a new study reveals there can too much of a good thing.
Recently published in the journal Neurology, researchers from the University of Cambridge shared their data which found that middle-aged and older people who snooze more than 8 hours a night are at an increased of having a stroke.
Nearly 10,000 people between the ages of 42 and 81 were asked how many hours they slept each night and about the quality of their shut-eye, two times over a period of four years. While of the participants were stroke-free at the beginning of the study, they were monitored for 9.5 years to find out if a stroke would occur.
After adjusting for factors such as gender and age, the data showed a 45% increased risk of stroke amongst the persistent long sleepers, but only a 19% increased risk for regular short sleepers.
Many studies have solidified the fact that sleep is huge predictor of cardiovascular events, with the relationship between stroke and sleep being considered a “U-shaped relationship” as it affects anyone outside of the 6-8 hours of sleep night window.
However, sleep experts and researchers say it’s not how long you sleep that has the most affect on stroke risk, but the quality of your snooze. This well-known theory may explain why researchers have found a link between sleep apnea and an increased risk of stroke.
Stick to great sleep hygiene habits, such as keeping your bedroom cool, dark and quiet for quality shut-eye and aim for a sleep duration time within the recommended guidelines by the National Sleep Foundation for optimal health, happiness and productivity.
Collecting rejuvenating sleep at night is the perfect way to set yourself up for even brighter days ahead as you add years to your life!
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