A stroke rarely occurs suddenly. Most often, it develops over several years, and we prepare for its first steps every morning through our own habits.

As we get older, mornings aren’t as pleasant. You open your eyes and you’re already tired. Your back reminds you of your years, your blood pressure monitor suggests you take medication, and breakfast often consists of a cup of coffee, drunk hastily and nervously.

Why is morning the most dangerous time?

Neurologists say that the highest number of strokes occurs in the morning, between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. During this time, blood vessels are most vulnerable. And we ourselves are making the situation worse with our actions.

The good news: This can change. The bad news: Most people ignore these simple steps.

Stroke is not just death

Many people think that a stroke is an instant event that never happens to them. But in reality, it may not be the end, but it can lead to long-lasting and painful consequences: paralysis, loss of speech, memory impairment, disability. Sometimes a person survives, but stops recognizing their loved ones or even taking care of themselves.

And it all starts with small things: a slight dizziness in the morning, the usual coffee instead of breakfast, a cigarette “to cheer up,” and a quick return to the wheel. In the evening, intensive care.

To prevent this from happening, it’s worth taking an honest look at your habits.

Mistake #1: Getting out of bed abruptly

The alarm goes off, you jump up and rush to the bathroom. Your head feels heavy and you feel slightly dizzy. It’s a real shock to your blood vessels: the sudden shift to an upright position causes a sharp increase in blood pressure and spasms, especially if your blood vessels are already fragile.

To do: Give yourself a few minutes. Lie down, stretch, move your fingers and hands. Let your body gently wake up.

Mistake #2. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach

Many people can’t imagine a morning without coffee. However, a cup of coffee on an empty stomach constricts blood vessels, which is especially dangerous for hypertensive patients. It is precisely at this moment, when they are already tense, that this blow can be fatal.

The best option: Start the day with a glass of water, have a light breakfast, and then allow yourself a cup of coffee—two cups at most. Let it remain a pleasure, not an addiction.