Association between history of stroke and sleep disturbances in U.S. adults

Abstract

: Nearly one-third of U.S. adults do not get enough sleep regularly. Poor sleep quantity and quality are associated with many chronic diseases and conditions. Sleep outcomes are likely to deteriorate after a stroke and could delay recovery. In this cross-sectional analysis, we examined the association between a history of stroke and sleep disturbances. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed for each outcome accounting for the multiple-stage sampling design. After adjustment for confounders, a history of stroke was significantly associated with taking sleep medication (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–3.0) but not with trouble staying asleep (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 0.9–1.9) regardless of age, sex, and race. However, sex difference was observed for waking up not feeling well-rested, in which the association was significant for females (OR: 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1–3.6) and not for males (OR: 0.9; 95% CI = 0.6–1.5). Similarly, race difference was observed for trouble falling asleep, in which the association was significant for Non-Hispanic White (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3–3.0) and not for Non-Hispanic Black (OR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1–2.0). The association between a history of stroke and sleep disturbances varies by sex and race, indicating a significant association among females and Non-Hispanic Whites. A holistic approach to stroke rehabilitation that includes targeted sleep interventions is warranted.

Keywords:

• Sleep disturbance
• stroke
• trouble falling asleep
• trouble staying asleep
• taking sleep medication
• not feeling well-rested

Acknowledgements

We thank Michael Corrieri who assisted in proofreading the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/data-questionnaires-documentation.htm

Additional information

Funding

The authors reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.