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5 Bad Habits That Increase the Risk of Stroke at Night

Strokes are a medical emergency that can happen at any time—but did you know certain habits, especially those tied to your nighttime routine, might increase your risk of having a stroke while you sleep? Nighttime strokes are particularly dangerous because symptoms can go unnoticed for hours, delaying treatment.

Understanding and breaking these bad habits could make a crucial difference in protecting your brain health.

Here are 5 common habits that might be silently raising your risk of stroke at night—and what you can do about them.

1. Poor Sleep Quality or Sleep Apnea

Not getting enough restful sleep, or suffering from sleep apnea (brief interruptions in breathing during sleep), increases the risk of stroke.

• Sleep apnea causes oxygen levels in the blood to drop, putting strain on your heart and brain.
• It also raises blood pressure—a major stroke risk factor.
• Loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, or gasping for air at night are red flags.

What to do:

If you suspect sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about getting a sleep study. Treating it with a CPAP machine or other therapies can significantly reduce stroke risk.

2. Going to Bed with High Blood Pressure Uncontrolled

High blood pressure (hypertension) is the leading cause of stroke. If you go to bed with unmanaged or poorly controlled blood pressure, your risk of stroke rises dramatically overnight.

• Blood pressure can spike during sleep due to stress, medication timing, or other health conditions.
• Silent nighttime hypertension often goes undiagnosed.

What to do:

Monitor your blood pressure regularly, take medications as prescribed, and discuss with your doctor the best time to take your meds to keep nighttime pressure steady.

3. Heavy Alcohol Consumption Before Bed

Drinking large amounts of alcohol in the evening can affect your cardiovascular system in harmful ways:

• Alcohol can raise blood pressure and disrupt sleep cycles.
• It causes dehydration, which thickens the blood and makes clots more likely.
• It can interfere with medications and increase arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) risk.

What to do:

Limit alcohol intake, especially close to bedtime. Stick to moderate amounts and stay hydrated.

4. Smoking Late in the Day or Evening

Nicotine is a stimulant that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Smoking, especially late in the day, can:

• Increase heart rate and blood pressure at night.
• Reduce oxygen flow to the brain.
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