Can continuous late nights lead to a stroke?

Nighttime is when the body needs rest, and continuous late nights increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, and stress, especially for high-risk groups.

While it is difficult to conclude if one single factor "causes stroke," continuous late nights can significantly increase this risk, according to Doctor Doan Du Manh, Deputy Director of the International Cardiovascular and Stroke Center at Phuong Dong General Hospital. Stroke is linked to various risk factors, including high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and unhealthy lifestyles such as drug abuse, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. In young individuals, strokes can also stem from congenital abnormalities like cerebral vascular malformations present from birth, which may rupture when aneurysms grow large enough.

Staying up late continuously raises the risk of stroke because nighttime is when blood pressure should naturally decrease, allowing the cardiovascular system to rest. When one stays awake, blood pressure remains elevated, gradually damaging blood vessel walls. This state also prompts the body to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones constrict blood vessels, increase heart rate, and put pressure on the brain, raising the likelihood of blood clot formation that can block cerebral blood vessels, leading to an ischemic stroke. High-risk groups include individuals with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, those who have experienced a stroke before, and the elderly.

Late nights often coincide with habits like eating late and a lack of physical activity, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and high blood lipids—all contributing factors to an increased stroke risk. Even healthy individuals without existing medical conditions should avoid continuous late nights, as this can result in weakness, fatigue, and easy fat accumulation.

If late nights are unavoidable, individuals should implement measures to reduce risks. These include ensuring the total number of sleep hours throughout the day, such as taking a nap for about 20-30 minutes during the day. It is also important to avoid stimulants at night and limit excessive consumption of coffee, strong tea, or energy drinks used to force the body to stay awake.

Doctors advise using the F.A.S.T. rule for quick stroke recognition:

F.A.S.T. stands for Face, Arm, Speech, and Time. This rule highlights four easy-to-remember signs of a stroke: facial drooping or asymmetry, particularly an uneven smile; arm weakness, where one arm drifts downward when raised; slurred, difficult, or unclear speech; and the critical need to call emergency services immediately if any of these signs appear.

Recognizing stroke using the F.A.S.T. rule. Graphics: Hoan My

Doctors caution against giving stroke patients any food, drink, or medication, including water or blood pressure-lowering drugs. This is because a stroke often impairs swallowing, leading to a high risk of choking, respiratory failure, and death. Never administer unprescribed medications. Using drugs from unknown sources or those not indicated during the acute phase can worsen the condition or cause aspiration into the lungs.

Avoid acupuncture or pricking fingertips. These methods do not dissolve blood clots and, conversely, waste the "golden hour" crucial for medical intervention.

Do not wait for patients to "recover on their own." Stroke symptoms may briefly improve, but the condition can deteriorate rapidly and dangerously. Patients must be transported to the emergency room immediately. Do not use a motorcycle to transport a patient. If an ambulance is unavailable, use a car or taxi to ensure the patient can lie in a stable position, providing safety during transport.