Imagine drifting into a peaceful night’s sleep, only to wake up unaware that your favorite sleeping position may silently increase your risk of stroke. It’s a startling thought—but for millions of adults over 45, the way you sleep could influence your long-term health more than you realize.Recent research shows that sleeping posture impacts blood flow, circulation, and even brain health. The good news? With small adjustments, you can protect yourself and even improve your overall well-being. Curious which position might be putting you at risk—and how to fix it? Let’s uncover the facts.
The Hidden Stroke Risk While You Sleep
Most people never think twice about how they position their body in bed. Yet studies suggest that certain sleep postures may interfere with blood circulation and put strain on the cardiovascular system. When blood flow to the brain is disrupted—even temporarily—it can contribute to stroke risk over time.
For older adults, this risk is especially significant. According to the American Heart Association, over 795,000 strokes occur each year in the U.S. Many of these cases are preventable with small lifestyle changes, including improving sleep habits.
So, what is it about certain positions that makes them risky? Let’s take a closer look…R
