Why Do Many Stroke Survivors Experience Sleep Apnea? August 27, 2025 When we think of stroke recovery, we often focus on regaining movement, speech, and independence. But one important piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: sleep. In fact, up to two-thirds of stroke survivors also experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition where the upper airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing.1 What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? OSA happens when the throat muscles relax too much during sleep, causing partial or complete blockage of the airway.1 This results in snoring, pauses in breathing, and sudden gasps or choking sounds as the body fights to get air.1 These interruptions can happen dozens of times an hour, leaving people feeling tired, foggy, or unrefreshed even after a full night in bed.1 Why Is It So Common After Stroke? OSA is more than just a nuisance—it’s strongly linked with stroke. Some people may already have undiagnosed OSA before their stroke, and the condition continues or worsens afterwards. For others, changes in brain function, muscle tone, and airway control following a stroke make them more vulnerable to developing OSA.2 Research shows that stroke survivors with OSA face greater challenges in recovery. The repeated dips in oxygen during sleep can strain blood vessels, impair circulation to healing brain tissue, and increase blood pressure—all of which place extra stress on the body during this already vulnerable time.3 Studies have even found that untreated OSA after stroke is linked with slower rehabilitation progress, poorer cognitive recovery, higher risks of long-term complications, and an increased likelihood of experiencing another stroke.3 The Signs Aren’t Always Obvious In the general population, OSA is often suspected if someone snores heavily, wakes up choking, or feels excessively sleepy during the day. But after a stroke, these typical signs may not appear—or may be mistaken for effects of the stroke itself, which is why the condition can easily go unnoticed unless specifically looked for.3 Because of this, experts recommend having a low threshold for testing stroke survivors for OSA.3 Sleep studies, such as overnight polysomnography, can accurately diagnose the condition by monitoring breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns.3 Home Sleep Studies: A Simple Way to Get Answers The good news is you don’t always need to spend a night in a hospital sleep lab. A home sleep study is a convenient and accurate way to assess whether you have OSA. With just a small device worn overnight in the comfort of your own bed, doctors can collect detailed information about your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep quality. This makes it much easier to get tested quickly and start treatment if needed. If you are concerned about sleep apnea after a stroke—for yourself or a loved one—it’s important to speak to your doctor. You can also call us on 1300 76 29 39 to learn more about booking a home sleep study. Treatment and Recovery The standard therapy for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a machine that gently delivers air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep, eliminating symptoms.1 OSA vs CSA After Stroke Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is far more common than central sleep apnea (CSA) in people who have had a stroke.1 CSA usually occurs in specific types of strokes.1 The two conditions have different causes: OSA results from the airway narrowing or collapsing during sleep, while CSA occurs when the brain temporarily stops sending signals to breathe.1 Unlike OSA, which can often be detected through a home sleep study, CSA can only be diagnosed with an in-lab polysomnography, where detailed brain and breathing activity is recorded.1 The Bottom Line Sleep apnea is extremely common among stroke survivors and can silently undermine recovery if left untreated. Talk to your doctor—or call us on 1300 76 29 39—to see if a home sleep study might be right for you. Identifying and treating sleep apnea could be a vital step toward protecting your health, supporting brain recovery, and improving quality of life. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References Blissitt, Patricia A. “Sleep-Disordered Breathing after Stroke.” Stroke, vol. 48, no. 3, Mar. 2017, doi.org. Mohamed, Basma, et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Stroke: Determining the Mechanisms behind Their Association and Treatment Options.” Translational Stroke Research, vol. 15, no. 2, 16 Mar. 2023, pp. 239–332, doi.org. “Sleep Apnea and Stroke.” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 2017, ccjm.org.
