From an interview with
Dr. Marwan Elya, Medical Director
McLeod Sleep Clinic

One in five adults suffer from some form of sleep apnea, a condition in which one repeatedly stops breathing when asleep. When someone stops breathing, oxygen levels drop and the body releases stress hormones. Because several apnea episodes happen each night, the high stress levels can lead to high blood pressure. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to many other serious conditions, including stroke. Sleep apnea also increases your risk for heart disease. One study found that men with moderate to severe sleep apnea were three times as likely to have a stroke as men with mild sleep apnea or without sleep apnea.

Strokes during sleep are especially challenging because of the time-sensitive nature of stroke treatment. Treatment options are often more limited in these situations, as many of these patients have irreversible brain damage before arriving at the hospital.

Not only is sleep apnea a risk factor for stroke; untreated sleep apnea is associated with poor outcomes after stroke. Stroke is the second-leading cause of death worldwide. The most common type of sleep disordered breathing found after a stroke is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by repeated collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep, resulting in reduced or complete cessation of airflow, despite ongoing breathing efforts.

The rate of sleep apnea is much higher in patients who have experienced a stroke, compared with the general population. Both stroke survivors and health care providers should be aware of this risk, and screening for symptoms of sleep apnea should be considered in any patient who has had a stroke.

Lifestyle changes like losing weight and quitting smoking can help with milder cases of sleep apnea. Moderate or severe sleep apnea can be treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The CPAP machine keeps your airway passages open. This prevents snoring and apnea.

Consistent use of CPAP is effective at treating sleep apnea and has been shown to reduce stroke risk factors. Adherence to nightly usage can be challenging for some patients, especially initially as they are acclimating to this change in their sleeping habits. Patients who are having trouble with using their CPAP should speak with their doctor to ensure their equipment fits and functions correctly.

Snoring is common, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea. An overnight sleep study is the gold standard test to confirm sleep apnea. The McLeod Sleep Clinic provides the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders. Patients consult with and undergo evaluation by a sleep specialist. Talk to your primary care physician to see if a sleep study is right for you.

Learn more here about sleep apnea.