Sleep Health as a Determinant of Disparities in Stroke Risk and Health Outcome

Abstract

Sleep is essential to human survival and overall vascular health. Sleep health encompasses the objective and subjective qualities associated with one’s daily pattern of sleep and wakefulness and has become a growing clinical and public health concern. Impaired sleep duration and quality can increase stroke risk and mediate the relationship between the physical aspects of an individual’s environment and disparities in stroke incidence. Here, we review observational studies evaluating the association between sleep health and cerebrovascular disease. We assess the influence on sleep of the physical environment, including the ambient environment with noise levels and the built environment. We also describe the influences on sleep health and stroke risk of social determinants of health, including the chronic stressor of racial discrimination. Finally, we discuss how changes in historical neighborhood characteristics or societal policies can influence the social factors affecting sleep health and stroke risk among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups or ethnic and racial minorities. Given the regional and racial or ethnic differences in stroke risk across the United States, an understanding of novel vascular risk factors, such as the multifaceted role of sleep health, will be critical to develop effective public policies to improve population health.