Sleep and stroke

Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing (OSDB) is an under-recognized risk factor for stroke. OSDB is associated with traditional vascular risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, and can influence the risk for stroke through direct and indirect mechanisms. Untreated OSDB may also influence rehabilitation efforts and functional outcome following a stroke, as well as the risk for stroke recurrence. Stroke risk is greatly reduced if the OSDB is adequately treated. Conversely, OSDB may be exacerbated or caused by stroke. Increasing awareness and improving screening for OSDB is paramount in the primary and secondary prevention of stroke, and in improving stroke outcomes. The following review article is intended to highlight the current basics of epidemiology, clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of OSDB in relation to stroke.