AnnaMaria
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, leading to brain cell damage or death. While strokes often happen suddenly, your body may show warning signs during sleep, particularly for those over 40. Recognizing these early signals can help reduce the risk of a serious medical emergency.
1. Frequent Nighttime Headaches
Severe headaches that disrupt sleep could signal high blood pressure or an impending stroke.
Why It Happens:
Restricted blood flow to the brain can increase pressure, causing pain. Blood pressure is often higher at night, which raises stroke risk.
When to Worry:
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Headaches that frequently wake you from sleep
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Sudden, intense pain or headaches that feel different from usual
What to Do:
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Monitor blood pressure regularly
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Stay hydrated and limit alcohol or caffeine before bedtime
2. Sleep Paralysis or Temporary Numbness
Sudden numbness, weakness, or temporary inability to move during the night may be an early warning of a stroke.
Why It Happens:
A mini-stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), can cause brief loss of muscle control. Reduced oxygen supply to the brain may result in temporary paralysis or numbness, often on one side of the body.
When to Worry:
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Waking up unable to move for a few seconds to minutes
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Numbness in the arms, legs, or face
What to Do:
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Perform the FAST test: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency
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Seek medical advice if these symptoms occur repeatedly
3. Loud Snoring and Sleep Apnea
While snoring may seem harmless, loud, irregular snoring or sleep apnea can significantly increase stroke risk.
Why It Happens:
Sleep apnea causes breathing pauses, lowering oxygen levels and raising blood pressure, both major stroke risk factors. Repeated oxygen interruptions can strain the brain and increase stroke likelihood.
When to Worry:
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Gasping, choking, or frequent awakenings at night
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Feeling extremely tired during the day despite adequate sleep
What to Do:
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Consult a doctor if sleep apnea is suspected
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Consider lifestyle changes, such as weight management and sleeping position adjustments
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Follow recommended treatments like CPAP if prescribed
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