Drowsy During Daytime Linked To Higher Heart Attack Risks In Elderly!

A new US study found that dozing during the day could be a sign of increased stroke risk for elderly Americans. The findings of the study (Abstract 94) were presented to the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2008, taking place in New Orleans this week. The researchers found that stroke risk was two to four times greater in elderly people who dozed moderately during the day.

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Many elderly people have trouble in falling asleep and they wake up after few hours. Once they wake up, they cannot sleep again. It can result in daytime fatigue, which harms your driving and daytime activities.

If you have condition of sleep apnea, it raises the risk of stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by the blood clot. This is said to be ischemic stroke.

Several studies identified sleep apnea in elderly people as a cause of stroke and other heart related diseases. But, many elderly people neglect that fact sleep apnea is common in elderly and stroke is more likely to occur in them.

Even, chronic sleep deprivation in elderly can change metabolic function that promotes diabetes and weight gain, which are the risk factors for heart disease.

Insufficient sleep can affect your heart health and increase heart rate and blood pressure while chronic stress can encourage abnormalities in heart function.

The combination of increase in blood pressure, heart rate and chronic stress can increase sympathetic nervous system activity to the point where heart attack can occur.

Treating obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep conditions can reduce the risk of stroke. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a treatment which helps in reducing the stroke risk. Life style modifications can also help in improving your sleep.

Life style modifications for reducing stroke risks in elderly:

Exercise helps to regulate your sleep, but avoid in the late evenings.
Expose yourself to enough sunlight during late afternoon for regulating your sleep patterns.
Napping during daytime can disrupt your night sleep, but a nap with less than 30 minutes works best.
Certain medications can interrupt with your sleep. Inform your doctor about all the conditions and medications that you are using.
Cut down the intake of stimulants like caffeine, tea, chocolate, colas and alcohol 3 to 4 hours before bedtime.
Relax yourself one hour before bed with relaxation techniques, meditation and deep breathing so that you can wind down all the works and worries before going to bed.