One of the first red flags is a sudden loss of coordination. You may reach for your toothbrush and miss slightly, drop your keys, or feel clumsy while buttoning a shirt. Your hand might not move quite the way you expect. These small moments can seem harmless, but they can signal a temporary blockage in blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—a “mini-stroke.”
Ignoring these subtle signs can be dangerous. Research from The Lancet Neurology shows that the first 48 hours after a TIA are the highest risk period for a major stroke. Acting quickly—by getting checked, rehydrating, and managing blood pressure—can reduce that risk by more than 80%.
Awareness is the difference between prevention and crisis. The key is to recognize when something feels “off,” and not dismiss it as simple aging.
Why Mornings Are the Most Dangerous Time
Dr. Hinohara explains that the first hour after waking is the body’s most vulnerable window. Overnight, the body becomes mildly dehydrated, blood thickens, and stress hormones like cortisol surge.
At the same time, blood pressure naturally rises to help you wake up. For those over 60—especially people with stiffer arteries or mild plaque buildup—this combination creates a “perfect storm” that can trigger a stroke.
That’s why what you do right after waking up matters more than most people realize.
Morning Habit #1: Skipping Water
Most people reach for coffee before anything else. But after six to eight hours of sleep without fluids, your body desperately needs hydration. Skipping that first glass of water is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make in the morning.
