Getting adequate sleep, in combination with regular exercise, can significantly cut the risk of stroke in adults, according to new research.
Researchers from the New York University School of Medicine analyzed health, lifestyle and other data from more than 288,000 adults who participated in a survey from 2004 to 2013. They found that when it comes to reducing strokes, there is a sleep sweet spot: People who slept between seven and eight hours a night were 25% less likely to have had a stroke. On the other hand, people who slept more than eight hours a night were 146% more likely to have experienced a stroke and people who averaged less than seven hours of sleep a night were 22% more likely to have suffered a stroke.
But it’s not just the right amount of sleep that matters: Researchers also found a correlation between physical activity (cycling, swimming, brisk walking, etc.) and stroke reduction. They advise adults to get between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise three to six times a week.
The findings were presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference Feb. 17-19 in Los Angeles.
