Health for Body Mind and Soul

For those looking to lower their risk of stroke, some surprising research may offer another tool: don’t eat before bed.

A recent study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress examined the link between the incidence of stroke and how quickly someone went to bed after eating. The study found that individuals who waited over an hour to go to bed after eating reduced their overall stroke risk by about 65%. This decreased risk maxed out at 2 hours.

The study included 1,000 participants who provided information about the meals along with sleep habits. Also included was previous information about health history including heart disease.

Researchers were not exactly sure why the link exists between eating time and heart disease. One idea as to this link is that going to sleep soon after eating increases the risk of acid reflux, which is associated with sleep apnea which is a risk factor for stroke. Another theory is that eating changes a variety of conditions in the body, including blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood flow. Going to sleep quickly after eating may worsen potential conditions that are aggravated by these changes.

Whatever the reason for these changes, anyone who is at an increased risk for stroke may want to adjust their eating and sleeping habits to help reduce their risk of stroke.