Scientists have linked insomnia with an increased risk of stroke
Insomnia has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, hospitalization, and a number of mental and cognitive health disorders. The researchers came to this conclusion after analyzing the data of more than 1.3 million people and the results of several systematic reviews. About the consequences for the body of sleep disorders, — in the material "Izvestia".
Insomnia increased the risk of stroke by 26%
The researchers combined the results of previous systematic reviews and three new reviews of primary studies. To assess the association of insomnia with stroke, the researchers reviewed nine relevant studies, six of which were included in the meta-analysis. In total, they covered more than 1.3 million participants.
It turned out that people with insomnia had a 26% higher risk of stroke compared to those with no sleep disorders. At the same time, the magnitude of the relationship varied significantly between individual studies.
In a paper published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews, insomnia was considered as a condition in which it is difficult for a person to fall asleep or maintain sleep, and sleep disorders are accompanied by a deterioration in daytime functioning when there is sufficient opportunity for sleep.
Sleep problems were associated with hospitalization.
In addition to stroke, the researchers assessed the association of insomnia with the likelihood of hospitalization. To do this, they reviewed five studies, three of which were included in the meta-analysis.
People with insomnia were 28% more likely to be hospitalized for any reason. The authors note that this indicator indicates a link between sleep disorders not only with individual diseases, but also with the general state of health.
At the same time, the study does not allow us to determine exactly what reasons were behind the increased likelihood of hospitalization. The analysis combined data from various studies conducted using various methods. The authors believe that the results obtained support the need to consider sleep disorders when assessing a person's overall health.
Scientists have found a link between insomnia and dementia
A separate area of analysis concerned cognitive health. Most of the reviewed reviews indicated a link between insomnia and dementia in general, but the results of individual studies were not the same. Scientists have obtained more consistent data on Alzheimer's disease. At the same time, the association with vascular dementia turned out to be less unambiguous: the research results differed.
Thus, sleep disorders at work were considered not only as a problem of night rest. The findings indicate a possible link between insomnia and diseases affecting brain function, although the nature of this relationship requires further study.
Insomnia is associated with depression and suicidal behavior.
The review also examined the effects of insomnia on mental health. Previous studies included in the analysis indicated a link between sleep disorders and depression and suicidal behavior.
The authors note that insomnia can have consequences that go beyond fatigue and decreased performance during the day. Collectively, the results of the study link sleep problems with several areas of health, from neurological disorders to mental health conditions. According to the lead author of the study from the Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Louis Vignatelli, insomnia should be considered as one of the signs of brain and mental health.
Stefan Seidel, author of the study
The issue of sleep should be discussed in the context of brain health at any age. We need to raise awareness about insomnia and its treatment methods, and integrate sleep issues into health promotion programs in our communities, schools, and workplaces.
The study does not prove the harm of insomnia
The researchers emphasize that the results obtained show precisely statistical relationships, and do not prove that insomnia directly causes stroke, dementia, depression or other studied conditions.
One of the limitations of the work was the differences in how insomnia was defined in individual studies. In addition, the analyzed data did not sufficiently take into account the use of sleep medications, which could also affect the results.
The authors believe that further research is needed to better understand the nature of the identified links. At the same time, the data obtained, in their opinion, support a more attentive attitude to sleep disorders and their treatment, as well as the inclusion of sleep and sleep hygiene issues in disease prevention programs.
Luca Vignatelli
The results show that people suffering from insomnia have an increased risk of developing dementia or stroke. Insomnia should be recognized and treated as part of a broader health approach aimed at reducing the risk of developing such disorders.
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