Is there a correlation between sleep apnea and strokes?
Yes. People with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to suffer strokes than those without this sleep-related breathing condition. More importantly, this link between sleep apnea, lower levels of oxygen in the brain, and stroke, has been known for some time. A 2005 study showed that this correlation is direct, even when other mitigating factors are accounted for, such as alcoholism, diabetes, and hypertension. The study also concluded that sleep apnea greatly raises the risk of stroke as well as death from any other co-current serious condition.
The mechanism behind this correlation has to do with the brain’s loss of cerebral autoregulation–namely, the brain’s ability to monitor and shift blood pressure due to changing circumstances and needs. Because obstructive sleep apnea causes many small disruptions of blood flow to the brain, this auto-regulation ability becomes less responsive, allowing for oxygen-deprivation and stroke.
Sleep apnea is one of the most dangerous – and common – sleep related issues facing us today. Over 18 million Americans are currently diagnosed with the condition, and the number is rising due to its link with the obesity epidemic in America. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead not only to stroke but also heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and an early death. Symptoms include disturbed sleep, waking up choking or gasping for air, pauses between breaths while sleeping, extremely loud and pervasive snoring, fatigue and memory problems during the day and loss of sexual interest.
If you think you might be at risk for sleep apnea, take an assessment here.
Related Questions:
- Can I get a high ZQ and still have poor sleep?
- Could positional therapy help one deal with sleep apnea?
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