Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, a specialist in internal medicine and a member of the Vietnam Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Association, identifies the time from waking up until getting out of bed as a "dark spot" for stroke. Global research indicates that 25% to 30% of stroke cases occur within the first hour after waking, primarily concentrated between 6 and 9 AM.

The heightened risk in the morning is attributed to several physiological changes, including sudden blood pressure spikes and increased vulnerability of blood vessels. As the body transitions abruptly from rest to activity upon waking, heart rate accelerates, blood vessels constrict, and blood pressure surges. These changes trigger a cascade of responses across the nervous and endocrine systems, as well as blood clotting mechanisms, making cerebral blood vessels more sensitive and prone to damage.

Morning is a particularly susceptible time for hypertension. Typically, blood pressure decreases by approximately 10% to 20% during the night before rising again upon waking. However, in some individuals, particularly those with long-standing hypertension, diabetes, or atherosclerosis, this morning surge can be excessively strong.

"This phenomenon of excessive morning hypertension can lead to the rupture of cerebral blood vessels or cause sudden vascular blockages," stated the doctor.

Additionally, certain unhealthy morning habits can precipitate a stroke. For instance, abruptly getting out of bed immediately after waking can cause sudden blood pressure changes, preventing the brain from adapting to circulatory shifts and increasing stroke risk. During colder months, stepping directly into a cold environment can severely constrict blood vessels and cause blood pressure to skyrocket, potentially leading to a cerebral hemorrhage.

Another risky habit is engaging in high-intensity exercise immediately after waking. Before the body has fully adapted, strenuous activity places significant stress on the heart and blood vessels. Furthermore, after several hours of sleep, the body may experience mild dehydration, which thickens the blood and elevates the risk of clot formation.

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To mitigate these risks, the doctor advises several preventative measures. Individuals should drink warm water upon waking and avoid abruptly getting out of bed. Instead, spend about one minute lying down, taking deep breaths and gently stretching limbs. Then, sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes to allow the body to stabilize before standing up. It is also recommended to avoid cold showers in the early morning. In cold weather, limit going outside too early; if it is unavoidable, perform thorough warm-up exercises indoors to help blood vessels gradually adjust to lower temperatures. Crucially, maintaining control over blood lipid and blood sugar levels, along with adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes reducing salt intake, is essential.

While strokes often occur suddenly, there are early warning signs that everyone should recognize. The FAST rule is a quick way to identify these symptoms: Face: facial drooping or uneven smile. Arm: weakness or numbness on one side of the body. Speech: difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or incomprehensible words. Time: call for emergency medical help immediately.

Patients may also experience other symptoms, such as: sudden severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance, blurred vision or loss of sight in one eye, and numbness or weakness on one side of the body. If any of these signs appear, it is imperative to transport the individual to a medical facility as quickly as possible, because "time is brain," and earlier treatment significantly increases the chances of recovery.

Thuy An