While we await more research to reveal how sleep problems may affect stroke risk, the good news is that we can always take steps to focus on sleep hygiene and reduce stroke risk.

Basic sleep rules, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, are a good place to start, as well as avoiding caffeine and alcohol too close to bed, which can affect sleep quality.

Talk to your doctor if you have persistent sleep problems and consider choosing a quality sleep supplement with ingredients like magnesium and pharmaGABA, which are proven in research to help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality. (Here are nine of our favorites, all vetted by a nutritionist.)

And to reduce the risk of stroke, be sure to get enough physical activity, limit alcohol consumption, and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check.