Sleep apnoea is a long-term condition that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to lover levels of oxygen in the blood and fragmented sleep.

There are two main types of sleep apnoea: obstructed sleep apnoea (OSA) which is when the soft tissue in your throat relaxes and makes it difficult to breathe, and central sleep apnoea (CSA), which is when your brain has trouble regulating your breathing).

Sleep apnoea and stroke

Sleep apnoea is a risk factor for ischaemic stroke, stroke recurrence and poor recovery after stroke. 

OSA has been linked to higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and atrial fibrillation, all of which are risk factors for stroke¹. Men with moderate to severe OSA have three times more risk of ischaemic stroke².

Evidence shows that sleep apnoea can be common after a stroke³. More than 50% of stroke survivors can experience sleep apnoea immediately after a stroke, with OSA being the most common. While sleep apnoea may decrease over time, it can still affect up to a third of stroke survivors quite badly longer term⁴.

Treating sleep apnoea

Detecting and treating sleep apnoea should be a vital part of primary stroke prevention and secondary stroke prevention.

Weight loss and lifestyle changes such as giving up smoking and reducing consumption of alcohol can help to tackle sleep apnoea. If these changes are not successful, most commonly, treatment for sleep apnoea involves the use of a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine that gently pumps air into a mask worn over the face or nose during sleep⁵.

Sleep apnoea and stroke: Key points 

Sleep apnoea is linked to a higher risk of ischaemic stroke and worse recovery after stroke. OSA is particularly associated with risk factors that can increase the risk of stroke. Studies show that many stroke survivors experience both short- and long-term sleep apnoea after a stroke.