Post-stroke sleep disturbance/insomnia is associated with female sex, anxiety, depression, and heart disease in stroke survivors
This meta-analysis of 13 studies (6,109 stroke survivors) found that female patients and those with anxiety, depression, or heart disease had significantly higher odds of post-stroke sleep disturbance/insomnia. Sleep disturbance/insomnia was more pronounced during follow-up beyond 3 months post-stroke.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Post-stroke sleep disturbance/insomnia is associated with female sex, anxiety, depression, and heart disease in stroke survivors The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 49/100 (low).
The Claim
Post-stroke sleep disturbance/insomnia is associated with female sex, anxiety, depression, and heart disease in stroke survivors
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adult stroke survivors (ischemic and hemorrhagic) from 13 observational studies.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Insomnia and Sleep Disturbance in Stroke Survivors: A Meta-Analysis of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Recovery Outcomes in Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke Survivors. (Cureus, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Stroke causes neurological damage affecting sleep-regulating brain regions
- ▸Psychological comorbidities (anxiety, depression) exacerbate sleep disruption
- ▸Cardiovascular conditions contribute to physiological stress and sleep impairment
- ▸Result: Increased prevalence of insomnia/sleep disturbance in vulnerable subgroups
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adult stroke survivors (ischemic and hemorrhagic) from 13 observational studies
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only 13 studies included, limiting generalizability
- ▸Heterogeneity in sleep disturbance definitions and diagnostic methods across studies
- ▸Subgroup analyses may be underpowered for some comparisons
- ▸Potential publication bias not addressed in abstract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prevalence of sleep disturbance after stroke?▼
The abstract does not report a specific pooled prevalence percentage, but it states that post-stroke sleep disturbance/insomnia is prevalent and under-recognized, affecting recovery and quality of life.
Which stroke survivors are at highest risk for insomnia?▼
Female stroke survivors and those with anxiety, depression, or heart disease have significantly higher odds of post-stroke sleep disturbance/insomnia.
Does sleep disturbance differ between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke?▼
The abstract mentions that the meta-analysis aimed to compare rates between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, but no specific comparative results are reported in the abstract.
When does post-stroke insomnia typically occur?▼
Sleep disturbance/insomnia was more pronounced during later follow-up (greater than 3 months post-stroke), suggesting it may persist or emerge over time.
References
- 1.Mogombaye NG, Jagdewsing D, Elijah W, Rashidi F, Rashidi M, Moharam H, Jagdewsing S, Angel, Iqbal F, Liu L. “Insomnia and Sleep Disturbance in Stroke Survivors: A Meta-Analysis of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Recovery Outcomes in Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke Survivors..” Cureus, 2026. PMID: 42639432 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.113184