Getting too much sleep could raise your stroke risk. While most recent research has focused on the negative consequences of not getting enough sleep, new research is finding that getting too much may also reflect poor health. “Adults who sleep more than eight hours a night may face a higher risk of stroke. These so-called ‘long sleepers’ were 46 percent more likely to have a stroke than those who got only six to eight hours of sleep a night. However, the researchers don’t know if the long sleep is a cause, consequence or early warning sign of declining brain health. After reviewing previous research on the possible link between sleep and stroke risk, they said they only found an association that they can’t explain.” The team emphasizes that those getting more than 8 hours shouldn’t cut their sleep short. “The researchers suspect long sleeping time is a warning signal and emphasize that the change in sleeping patterns is more the concern. Long sleepers would be wise to monitor their lifestyle, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Adults over the age of 60 or 65 who notice they are sleeping more should make sure their cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol are under control.”

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