Observational Study of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Wake-Up Stroke: The SLEEP TIGHT Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Wake-up stroke (WUS) constitutes 25% of ischemic strokes, often occurring during sleep.
• The temporal association suggests a potential link between WUS and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• This study explored the relationship between WUS, OSA, and sympathetic nervous system activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between WUS and OSA.
• To examine gender-specific differences in the WUS-OSA relationship.
• To identify potential contributing factors and biomarkers associated with WUS.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of the SLEEP TIGHT study cohort.
• Patients categorized into WUS and non-WUS groups.
• Data collected included polysomnography, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, demographics, stroke severity, and biomarkers (cholesterol, catecholamines, inflammatory markers).

Main Results:

• Among 164 participants, 30.3% experienced WUS.
• No overall difference in OSA frequency (AHI ≥5) between WUS and non-WUS groups.
• Men with WUS showed significantly higher rates of severe OSA (AHI >30) and oxygen desaturation events compared to men without WUS; these differences were not observed in women.
• WUS patients had significantly higher LDL cholesterol and baseline diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions:

• WUS may be associated with severe OSA and increased oxygen desaturation in men.
• The findings suggest a potential link between WUS, severe OSA in men, and elevated diastolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations.