Circadian preference and stroke characteristics: A descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Chronobiology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Circadian misalignment is linked to increased stroke risk and poorer rehabilitation outcomes.
• Circadian preference, reflecting natural timing of physiological functions, is assessed via self-report questionnaires.
• Understanding the relationship between circadian preference and stroke characteristics is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between circadian preference and stroke characteristics (onset time, topography, disability).
• To examine the link between sleep complaints (snoring, insomnia, sleep apnea) and circadian preferences.
• To compare circadian preferences and comorbidities in stroke outpatients versus healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A sample of stroke outpatients was assessed for circadian preference using self-report questionnaires.
• Sleep complaints and stroke characteristics were recorded.
• Data were compared with a representative population sample (EPISONO study) matched for age and sex.

Main Results:

• Most participants in both stroke and control groups were morning-types.
• Ischemic stroke was the most common type in the stroke group.
• Evening-types had an increased risk of sleep apnea, and evening- and intermediate-types had a higher prevalence of diabetes.
• No association was found between circadian preference and stroke onset time or wake-up stroke.

Conclusions:

• Stroke outpatients and the general population exhibit similar circadian preferences, predominantly morning-types.
• Circadian preference is associated with specific comorbidities like sleep apnea and diabetes.
• Further research may elucidate the role of circadian rhythms in stroke etiology and recovery.