Killer Insomnia?!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 12, 2023
One of the first things we learn as toddlers is that actions have consequences.
It’s a lesson we’re reminded of throughout our lives.
For example, if you smoke cigarettes, you may develop lung cancer. Drink too much alcohol and liver damage could be the result. Scarf down excess sugar, and you’ll likely pack on extra pounds.
But sometimes, the “action” isn’t a bad habit at all. And in fact, in some cases, it’s not even something within your control.
And the consequence? Well, it can seem to come out of NOWHERE.
Take the recently revealed link between sleep (or LACK of it) and stroke, for example.
The new study published in the journal Neurology uncovered an unexpected connection between insomnia and increased stroke risk.
Researchers identified FIVE common sleep problems associated with increased stroke risk.
- Finding it hard to fall
- Struggling to stay
- Waking up too
- Not being able to return to sleep after waking.
- And not feeling rested in the morning.
These, of course, all boil down to one “action.” And that’s skipping out on good quality sleep… even when you don’t want to.
The study found that folks with one to four of these sleep issues have a 16 percent increased risk of stroke.
But it gets worse.
That number skyrockets to a stunning 51 percent for people under 50 with five to eight insomnia symptoms.
Over 50? You aren’t off the hook, either. With the same five to eight insomnia symptoms, folks over 50 have a disturbing 38 percent increased stroke risk compared to their slumbering peers.
Plus, the researchers found that poor sleepers who ALSO suffer from depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease are at an even HIGHER stroke risk.
This is FAR from the first study to highlight how critical sleep is, of course.
In fact, poor sleep has already been linked to everything from diabetes to obesity. But we can now add deadly strokes to the list.
Now, we all have problems sleeping from time to time, of course. But if those occasional bouts of insomnia become chronic, you can try these proven sleep-improving tricks:
- Exercise: Exercising is one of the best paths to a good night’s sleep. When your body is physically tired, your mind has no choice but to give in. Find an activity you love to do and increase how much you exercise when you feel stressed to fight back against insomnia.
- Avoid caffeine: Caffeine is an often-overlooked cause of sleep problems. Skip coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks later in the day.
- Ditch alcohol: Alcohol leads to light and easily disturbed sleep. It’s a good idea to avoid drinking on most nights of the week. If you battle insomnia, skipping alcohol altogether may help.
- Sleep alone: If your spouse or partner wakes you up, sleeping alone is an easy way to resolve the problem. The National Sleep Foundation found that nearly 25 percent of couples sleep in separate beds.
- Calming herbs: Passionflower, hops, lemon balm, chamomile, and valerian can help relax your body and mind to prepare you for sleep.
- Supplements: Theanine, an amino acid in green tea, induces feelings of calm and relaxation. And melatonin is a hormone that promotes good sleep and fights insomnia.
Don’t let insomnia ruin your quality of life… or worse, STEAL it away with a killer stroke.
P.S. Researchers say THIS odd health condition could be the true culprit behind your insomnia. CLICK HERE for the potential cause AND cure.
Source:
“Association Between Insomnia Symptoms and Trajectory With the Risk of Stroke in the Health and Retirement Study,” Neurology Jun 2023, 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207449; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207449
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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