Sunny Health

May is National Stroke Awareness Month in America, during which campaigns and events grow more prolific in raising awareness on stroke and how to prevent it. In Singapore, we may not have such a national campaign as of yet, but it is important that we promote awareness about it, considering that stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and accounts for more than 10 per cent of deaths in Singapore.

There are several risk factors and symptoms for stroke, but one commonly overlooked one is daytime drowsiness. Considering that many Singaporeans complain about a hectic, overworked lifestyle that may require working till late, daytime drowsiness is brushed off as something inevitable. Yet a new study published in PLOS Medicine reveals strong indications that sleep problems, marked by daytime drowsiness, may be an indication of a potential threat, and one of the reasons why many heart attacks and strokes come suddenly without symptoms.

According to a study in the American Heart Association journal, people with insomnia have a 54 percent higher risk of stroke.

Age isn't a defining factor for stroke, and young people aged 18 - 34 with insomnia are eight times more likely to suffer a stroke than those who have sufficient quality sleep.

By the way, children and babies get strokes too.

Here are some reasons why poor quality sleep can be a warning sign of impending stroke:

Increased blood pressure: Blood pressure drops by 10 to 20 percent when asleep. The longer one stays awake, the higher the average blood pressure. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke.

Resistance to insulin: Previous studies show that sleep deprivation causes dramatic change in insulin levels. Insulin resistance is one of the main causes of heart attacks.

Increase in food and calorie intake: Not sleeping increases the levels of appetite-regulating hormones. That is why you may have a craving for a snack if you're still up at midnight, and this leads to packing on excess calories, which is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and consequently, stroke.

Increased inflammation: Inflammation in the arteries can increase the threat if Cardiovascular disease, as well as trigger heart attacks and strokes.

It is important to note that daytime drowsiness does not cause strokes, but insufficient sleep, along with the myriad of chronic diseases associate with it, does. If you feel that you're constantly sleepy, don't panic and assume the worst, but try to solve the problem by exploring possible causes and rectifying them. Avoiding late night usage of electronic gadgets like your computer, phone and ipad, going to bed at a regular schedule preferably by 11pm, and using relaxing rituals like sniffing lavender essence and listening to soothing music may help to improve your sleep.

If you are still experiencing daytime fatigue, or are not sleeping well or sufficiently, get a diagnosis from a doctor.

With that said, here is a short and simple-to-remember list on identifying symptoms of stroke that many American stroke awareness organisations swear by: