Strokescan occur at any time, including when you are asleep.
These are sometimes called “wake-up strokes.”
Wake-up strokes are not technically different from other strokes.
Verywell / Katie Kerpel
However, they can be more dangerous because treatment is delayed while you are sleeping.
This article discusses wake-up strokes, including risk factors associated with strokes during sleep.
Verywell / Katie Kerpel
What Is a Wake-Up Stroke?
A wake-up stroke is a stroke that occurs during sleep.
In these cases, the person goes to bed feeling normal but wakes up with symptoms of a stroke.
Unfortunately, because the person has been asleep, it’s unclear when the stroke occurred.
Causes and Risk Factors
A stroke iscausedby a disruption in blood flow to the brain.
This can be either a blockage (called anischemicstroke) or blood leaking (called ahemorrhagicstroke).
Lipid Profile
High cholesterolis a risk factor for stroke.
Some research indicates that wake-up stroke survivors have a significantly worselipid profilethan non-wake-up stroke survivors.
Blood Pressure
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a risk factor for strokes in general.
Research has found that hypertension is associated with an increased chance ofcerebral infarctionstrokes during sleep.
Smoking
Smoking increases your chance of having a stroke.
The only difference is that these symptoms are not noticed until the person wakes up.
It’s essential to call 911 immediately if you notice the signs of stroke in yourself or someone else.
Because people with wake-up stroke cannot take advantage of tPA, their outcomes may be poorer.
Diagnostic neuroimaging, such asCT scansandMRIs, are therefore an important part of wake-up stroke treatment.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, andspeech therapyshould begin within 24 hours and continue intensively with a patient-centered plan.
Recovery and Outcomes
Recovery and outcomes for wake-up strokes follow a similar pattern as other strokes.
Resulting Sleep Disorders
Some people who have had a stroke develop a stroke-induced sleep disorder.
About two thirds of stroke survivors will developsleep disordered breathing.
The key difference between wake-up strokes and other types of stroke is that the time of onset is unknown.
This can delay emergency medical treatment and exclude wake-up stroke survivors from typical stroke treatments.
What is known is that wake-up strokes are not uncommon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible to have a stroke and not know it.
An estimated 8%28% of strokes occur during sleep.
Having a ministroke puts you at greater risk of having a full stroke in the future.
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