Exploring the links between sleep quality and stroke risk in older adults

The aging population faces significant health challenges, with sleep disturbances emerging as a critical yet often overlooked issue. Poor sleep quality is associated with various adverse health outcomes, including higher risks of mental health disorders and cerebrovascular events such as stroke. Understanding the relationships between sleep health, mental health, and stroke risk is essential for developing effective interventions. This study employed a cross-sectional design involving older adults to examine the associations among sleep disturbances, mental health (specifically depressive symptoms), and stroke risk. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data. The analysis revealed that older adults with difficulty falling asleep faced a significantly increased risk of stroke. Additionally, depressive symptoms were found to mediate the relationship between sleep disturbances and stroke risk. These findings highlight the interconnectedness of sleep health and mental health, demonstrating that poor sleep can contribute to higher rates of depression, which in turn increases stroke risk. The results underscore the importance of prioritizing sleep health in clinical practice for older adults. Addressing sleep disturbances is crucial not only for reducing stroke risk but also for enhancing overall well-being. Future research should further investigate the underlying mechanisms, consider sociocultural factors influencing sleep health, and develop targeted interventions to improve both sleep and mental health in this vulnerable population.