Getting the right amounts of sleep and regular exercise lower stroke risk
American Heart Association
Getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night and exercising 30 to 60 minutes, three to six times a week, are healthy behaviors that can greatly reduce adults' stroke risk, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2016.
Researchers used a computerized analysis of health, lifestyle, demographic and other factors among 288,888 adults (77 percent white; nearly half 45 or older) who participated in a survey from 2004 to 2013. They analysis examined how long, average and short sleep durations and physical activity, such as walking, swimming, bicycling, gardening and more, impact stroke risk.
Researchers found:
Average sleepers -- those who slept seven to eight hours a night -- were 25 percent less likely to have experienced a stroke.
Long sleepers -- those who got more than eight hours a night -- were 146 percent more likely to have suffered a stroke.
Short sleepers, who slept less than seven hours a night, were 22 percent more likely to report having had a stroke.
Average sleep (7-8 hours) and vigorous leisurely activity (30-60 minutes) three to six times per week significantly decreased stroke risk.
Computer analysis of large, complex health information sets is an important tool for accurately determining health risks in populations, according to the authors.
###
Additional Resources:
Any available multimedia related to these tips are on the right column
of this link
http://newsroom.
ASA guidelines for the prevention of stroke in women
Hidden stroke risk factors for women
Healthy living after stroke
African-Americans and heart disease, stroke
Insomnia may significantly increase stroke risk
Join the AHA/ASA Support Network to talk with others going through similar
journeys including depression after stroke.
Follow news from the American Stroke Association's International Stroke
Conference 2016 via Twitter: @HeartNews #ISC16.
Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American
Stroke Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors
and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association
makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.
The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations
and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other
companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs
and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships
from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and
device corporations are available at
http://www.