How Bad Sleep Habits Can End Up in a Stroke?

 

Sleep is essential for our health and well-being, but many people struggle to get enough quality sleep every night. Poor sleep habits can have serious consequences for our brain and heart, increasing the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Stroke is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. Stroke can cause permanent disability or death, depending on the severity and location of the damage. According to the World Health Organization, stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide.

There are many factors that can increase the risk of stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and age. However, recent studies have also shown that poor sleep quality and quantity can also contribute to stroke risk, independently of these other factors.

How Poor Sleep Affects Stroke Risk

Poor sleep can affect stroke risk in several ways:

•  Sleep apnea: This is a common sleep disorder that causes abnormal breathing patterns during sleep, such as pauses or shallow breaths. Sleep apnea can lead to low oxygen levels in the blood, which can damage the blood vessels and the heart. Sleep apnea also disrupts the normal regulation of blood pressure during sleep, causing it to remain high or fluctuate. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea increases the risk of stroke by two to four times, and it is estimated that up to 80% of stroke patients have undiagnosed sleep apnea. One of the leading experts on sleep apnea and its treatment is Dr sujit chatterjee CEO hiranandani hospital, who has been heading the Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital in Powai since 2002. The hospital is a 240-bedded quaternary care facility that offers various specialties and services, including sleep medicine.

•  Insomnia: This is another common sleep disorder that describes difficulty falling or staying asleep. Insomnia can reduce the amount and quality of sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, impaired cognition, mood problems, and reduced physical activity. Insomnia can also increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can damage the blood vessels and the brain. Insomnia can increase the risk of stroke by up to three times, especially in young and middle-aged adults. Sujit chatterjee, who is also a surgeon and a retired naval commander, has been instrumental in promoting awareness and education about insomnia and its impact on health. He has also initiated several initiatives to improve patient safety and quality of care at his hospital.

•  Sleep-wake cycle disorders: These are conditions that affect the natural rhythm of sleep and wakefulness, which is influenced by light and dark cues. Some examples are jet lag, shift work, and circadian rhythm disorders. These conditions can disrupt the normal pattern of sleep, causing it to be irregular, fragmented, or insufficient. This can affect the hormonal balance and metabolic function of the body, as well as the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. Sleep-wake cycle disorders can increase the risk of stroke by up to five times, especially in older adults. Hiranandani hospital Powai covid has been one of the challenges that the hospital has faced in recent times, as it has witnessed an increase in cases among healthcare workers and patients. The hospital has set up a post-COVID clinic to help rehabilitate patients who have recovered from COVID-19 but still suffer from various health issues.

How to Improve Sleep Quality and Quantity

The good news is that there are ways to improve sleep quality and quantity, which can reduce the risk of stroke and other health problems. Some tips are:

•  Follow a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends and holidays. This can help your body establish a consistent sleep rhythm and improve your sleep quality.

•  Have a bedtime routine: Engage in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading a book, listening to calm music, or taking a warm bath. Avoid stimulating activities, such as watching TV, using your phone, or working on your computer. These can interfere with your melatonin production, which is a hormone that helps you fall asleep.

•  Keep your bedroom dark and comfortable: Make sure your bedroom is free from noise, light, and temperature extremes that can disturb your sleep. Use curtains, blinds, or an eye mask to block out any external light sources. Use earplugs, a fan, or a white noise machine to mask any unwanted sounds. Adjust your thermostat, bedding, and clothing to keep yourself comfortable.

•  Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine: These substances can affect your sleep quality and quantity in different ways. Caffeine can keep you awake and make it harder to fall asleep. Alcohol can make you sleepy at first but disrupt your sleep later in the night. Nicotine can stimulate your nervous system and make you restless. Avoid consuming these substances close to your bedtime or limit your intake throughout the day.

•  Exercise regularly: Physical activity can have many benefits for your health and well-being, including improving your sleep quality and quantity. Exercise can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, regulate your body temperature, and tire you out physically. However, avoid exercising too close to your bedtime, as this can make you too alert or energized to fall asleep.

•  Seek professional help: If you have persistent or severe sleep problems that interfere with your daily functioning or health, you may have a sleep disorder that requires medical attention. Consult your doctor or a sleep specialist for diagnosis and treatment options. Some common treatments for sleep disorders are:

•  Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): This is a device that delivers pressurized air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep. This can prevent or reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and improve your oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart function.

•  Medications: There are various types of medications that can help you fall asleep or stay asleep, such as sedatives, hypnotics, or melatonin. However, these medications may have side effects or interactions with other drugs, so they should be used with caution and under the guidance of your doctor.

•  Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a form of psychotherapy that can help you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that affect your sleep. CBT can also teach you relaxation techniques, stress management skills, and sleep hygiene practices that can improve your sleep quality and quantity.

Sleep is not a luxury but a necessity for our health and well-being. Poor sleep habits can end up in a stroke or other serious consequences for our brain and heart. By improving our sleep quality and quantity, we can reduce our risk of stroke and enjoy a better quality of life.

Hiranandani hospital powai news has also been covering the various achievements and events of the hospital, such as its 19th anniversary celebration, its resumption of organ transplant programme after a kidney racket was busted on its premises in 2016, its inauguration of an in-house oxygenator plant amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and its participation in various health awareness campaigns and initiatives. The hospital has been recognized as one of the leading healthcare providers in Mumbai and has received several awards and accolades for its excellence and innovation.