Review of 1.3 Million People Links Insomnia to Higher Stroke, Dementia and Depression Risk
Updated
Updated · Everyday Health · Sep 28
Review of 1.3 Million People Links Insomnia to Higher Stroke, Dementia and Depression Risk
3 articles · Updated · Everyday Health · Sep 28
Summary
Nine studies covering more than 1.3 million people tied insomnia to higher stroke risk, while the broader review also linked poor sleep to dementia, depression and suicidal behavior.
Depression risk was more than tripled in people with insomnia, and suicide deaths, attempts and thoughts were all more common; all-cause mortality showed no link.
Researchers said chronic insomnia may keep the body in a stress state that raises blood pressure, inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, potentially damaging blood vessels and increasing stroke vulnerability.
The review drew on decades of evidence across seven outcomes, but inconsistent insomnia definitions and limited data on sleep-medication use mean it shows correlation rather than proof that insomnia causes these disorders.
Outside experts said healthy sleep helps clear brain waste and protect blood vessels, while researchers said trials are still needed to test whether treating insomnia lowers stroke or dementia risk.