Stroke warning over lack of sleep

Sleeping less than seven hours a night could trigger a stroke or heart attack, according to new research.

Failing to get there commended amount of shut-eye reduces levels of chemicals in the blood that protect our health by dousing inflammation, say scientists.

Known as micrornas, these tiny bits of DNA maintain the vascular system by switching off genes.

This helps to stop the formation of clots that can cut off the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain and heart.