Insomnia Tied to Higher Stroke and Hospitalization Risk
A review also found connections with depression, suicidal behaviors and some forms of dementia.
Trouble sleeping may signal broader health concerns, according to a review in Sleep Medicine Reviews. Researchers found that adults with insomnia faced a 26% greater stroke risk and 28% higher odds of being admitted to a hospital for any reason.
The review combined findings from research on seven health outcomes. It included more than 1.3 million participants in the stroke analysis, drawing on six studies from nine eligible reports. Other evidence connected insomnia with depression and suicidal behaviors. Most reviews also found a relationship with dementia overall, while the link appeared more consistent for Alzheimer’s disease; results for vascular dementia varied.
The researchers searched MEDLINE and EMBASE through August 2025 and added three new reviews covering stroke, workplace injuries and hospitalization. They caution that studies used different definitions of insomnia and offered limited information about sleep medicines. The findings show relationships, not proof that insomnia directly causes stroke, hospitalization or other conditions. The authors say sleep problems deserve greater attention in health care and community health programs.
- The stroke analysis included more than 1.3 million participants.
- Six studies contributed data to the stroke meta-analysis.
- Researchers searched MEDLINE and EMBASE through August 2025.
- The review appeared in Sleep Medicine Reviews.
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