It’s a new warning sign.
Struggling to sleep after experiencing a mild stroke may indicate ongoing issues with brain health, according to new research published in the journal Neurology. The study suggests that stroke survivors who spend extended periods in bed—whether asleep or attempting to fall asleep—tend to perform worse on cognitive assessments related to memory and thinking skills.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Hong Kong followed 422 individuals who had recently suffered a mild stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a “mini-stroke.” Participants underwent brain imaging, completed sleep questionnaires, and took cognitive tests within one to three months of their stroke or TIA.
The findings revealed that those who stayed in bed longer were more likely to show signs of damage in their brain’s small blood vessels and had more white matter hyperintensities, which are markers of injury to the brain’s white matter. These changes are associated with an increased risk of dementia and future strokes.
Dr. Joanna Wardlaw, the study’s senior author, noted that extended time in bed—possibly due to sleep difficulties—could serve as an indicator of declining brain health. She emphasized that while insufficient sleep is known to be harmful, this research draws attention to potential issues related to prolonged sleep or attempts to compensate for poor sleep.
Though the study found a link between disrupted sleep and brain changes, it does not establish a direct cause. The researchers highlighted the need for additional studies to determine whether these patterns hold true for people without a history of stroke and whether interventions to improve sleep after a stroke could help prevent further cognitive decline.
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