Daijiworld Media Network – Edinburgh

Edinburgh, May 29: A recent study published in Neurology has raised concern over a surprising revelation: spending more time in bed following a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) could negatively impact memory and thinking skills.

While quality sleep is vital for overall health, the research suggests that post-stroke survivors who spend excessive hours in bed—either sleeping or attempting to sleep—may be putting their cognitive health at further risk.

The study examined 422 individuals with an average age of 66, hailing from Edinburgh and Hong Kong, who had recently suffered a mild stroke or TIA. One to three months after the event, participants underwent sleep surveys, brain scans, and cognitive assessments.

Findings showed that longer in-bed durations were significantly associated with lower performance in memory and thinking tests. Furthermore, these individuals displayed worrying brain changes, such as white matter hyperintensities—areas of damage in the brain linked to dementia and increased stroke risk.

“Disturbed sleep may be a marker of poor brain health,” said Dr. Joanna M. Wardlaw of the University of Edinburgh, the study’s lead author. “While most people know that not getting enough sleep is harmful, there’s limited awareness about the downsides of too much time in bed, especially post-stroke.”

A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked, cutting off oxygen and nutrients. A TIA, often called a “mini-stroke,” is a brief interruption that can serve as a warning for a future, more severe episode. In both cases, swift recovery and lifestyle changes are vital.

The study revealed that participants who spent more time in bed were more likely to have:

• Increased white matter hyperintensities

• Signs of small vessel damage

• Microbleeds (tiny brain hemorrhages)

• Reduced memory and cognitive function

Interestingly, these issues were prevalent even in people who reported longer actual sleep duration, not just time spent lying in bed.

While the study stops short of proving a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it points to a strong association between excessive bed rest and cognitive decline in stroke survivors.

Dr. Wardlaw emphasized the need for further research: “We need more data to confirm if improving sleep quality and reducing excessive in-bed time can protect brain health post-stroke.”

For stroke or TIA survivors, more time in bed doesn’t necessarily mean more rest—or better recovery. Instead, focusing on quality sleep and a balanced daily routine may prove more beneficial for cognitive and neurological health in the long run.