Certain sleeping issues can be early sign of increased risk of heart attacks and strokes

How you sleep could tip you off to early signs of suffering from high cholesterol.

Research suggests a link between specific sleeping patterns and the condition with strong ties to heart attacks and strokes, reports the Express.

Scientists have long researched ways to detect signs of high cholesterol early as the condition often goes unnoticed until deadly ailments are already in full swing.

Doctor Don Grant, of the Independent Pharmacy, explains: “High cholesterol is generally symptomless. It offers no warning signs and people will often learn they have high cholesterol in one of two ways; by getting a blood test or having an emergency event, such as a heart attack."

Some studies, however, have highlighted links between subtle sleep disturbances and the condition, explained doctor Grant.

In one study, researchers unearthed a correlation between difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and high cholesterol.

“Currently, we cannot say that finding it hard to get to sleep or stay asleep is symptomatic of high cholesterol levels,” said doctor Grant.

“However, with there being a connection between these issues, it’s not unreasonable to say that if people do have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep, they may wish to consider getting a blood test to establish if they have high cholesterol.

“It’s certainly better than the alternative of people discovering they have high cholesterol when they experience a heart attack or stroke.”