Snoring as a risk factor for sleep-related brain infarction

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.
• The timing of stroke onset, particularly in relation to sleep, is not fully understood.
• Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for stroke prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the temporal patterns of stroke symptom onset in relation to sleep.
• To identify independent risk factors for stroke occurring during or shortly after sleep.
• To explore the interplay between snoring, hypertension, and stroke risk.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 177 male patients (aged 16-60) with confirmed brain infarction.
• Statistical analysis, including multiple stepwise logistic regression, to identify risk factors.
• Evaluation of factors such as sleep patterns, snoring, arterial hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, and BMI.

Main Results:

• Brain infarction was most frequent within 30 minutes of awakening.
• Snoring emerged as the sole independent risk factor for stroke during sleep or the first 30 minutes post-awakening.
• Snoring increased stroke risk by 2.65-fold (sleep onset) and 3.16-fold (sleep or first 30 min post-awakening).
• Arterial hypertension appeared to have an additive effect on the risk associated with snoring.

Conclusions:

• Stroke onset shows a distinct pattern, with a higher incidence shortly after awakening.
• Snoring is a significant, independent risk factor for early morning stroke.
• The combination of snoring and hypertension may further elevate stroke risk, highlighting the need for managing both conditions.