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Sleep disorders can lead to sudden brain stroke

  • Health
  • 31 December, 2022 15:37:41

Photo: Collected

News desk: Stroke is also called brain attack. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A stroke can cause brain damage or death. This can lead to long-term disability and even death.

Who is at risk of stroke?

According to the Mayo Clinic, people age 55 and older, with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of pre-existing conditions such as stroke, heart attack, or transient ischemic attack are at increased risk of stroke.

In addition to these problems, another disorder doubles the risk of brain stroke, and that is sleep apnea. Severe sleep apnea can damage the brain and increase the risk of stroke.

Studies show that sleep apnea occurs in 80 percent of stroke patients. But most cannot diagnose it.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops repeatedly and loud snoring begins. According to the Sleep Apnea Organization, this sleep-disordered breathing problem can occur before and after a stroke.

However, about 85 percent of people with sleep apnea don't know they have a sleep disorder. So it has more serious effects on the brain without treatment. This is why experts believe that sleep apnea is a risk factor for stroke.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is mainly of two types – obstructive and central sleep apnea. According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep apnea patients may experience these symptoms during sleep:

1. Loud snoring
2. Stop breathing during sleep
3. Asthma in sleep
4. Waking up with a dry mouth
5. Morning headache
6. Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
7. Excessive daytime sleep or hypersomnia
8. Lack of attention
9. Irritability etc.

What are the symptoms of stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to various parts of the brain is cut off. This then affects different parts of the body, causing symptoms. These include-

1. Difficulty speaking or understanding
2. Paralysis or numbness of the face, arms or legs
3. Vision problems
4. Headache
5. Difficulty walking etc.

How to reduce the risk of stroke?

If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or any other problems, try to control them. Also maintain a healthy weight. For this, eat foods rich in fruits and vegetables.

Exercise regularly. Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption. Most importantly, if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, get it treated quickly.

Source: Times of India

 

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