WASHINGTON – Getting a good night’s sleep is ideal, but can be hard to come by with busy schedules.

Those struggling to get eight hours of shuteye might be surprised to learn that not sleeping enough can actually be more dangerous than previously thought.

Adults who routinely get less than six hours of sleep – about 30 percent of the population – are four times more likely to suffer a stroke, according to a University of Alabama report.

Earlier research already found that partial sleep deprivation slightly increases risk for heart attacks. But the new report is the first to apply to adults who aren’t overweight and have no other risk factors for stroke.

The study will be discussed today by sleep researchers meeting in Boston, according to USA Today.

WTOP’s Neal Augenstein contributed to this report. Follow Neal Augenstein and WTOP on Twitter.

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