In many cases, a stroke occurs during sleep, from which the individual may never wake up. However, there are often warning signs that precede such an event.
Feeling restless
According to Dr. Alan Schwartz, Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in the U.S., individuals who feel restless—frequently tossing and turning or struggling to sleep soundly—when going to bed are at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke during the night.
Frequent loud snoring and sensations of choking during sleep
Individuals who frequently snore loudly and experience sensations of choking while asleep are at a higher risk of sudden death during sleep.
Explaining this, Associate Professor Vu Van Giap from the Respiratory Center at Bach Mai Hospital notes that those suffering from sleep apnea often exhibit a very clear symptom: loud snoring.
A telltale sign occurs when someone who has been snoring steadily suddenly goes silent; after more than 10 seconds, the person may stir, gasp or choke, and then resume snoring—this indicates a temporary cessation of breathing (apnea).
Frequent waking during the night
People who frequently wake up during the night, fail to achieve deep, restful sleep, or experience a constant need to urinate are also at an elevated risk of sudden death during sleep.
This is typically a sign that the body is not in a healthy state; underlying issues affecting the brain or other internal organs can lead to such sleep instability.
If you notice issues with your sleep—such as frequently waking up in the middle of the night, accompanied by other unusual symptoms—you should by no means take it lightly.
Feeling tired and experiencing headaches upon waking
Individuals at risk of a stroke often wake up feeling fatigued, suffering from headaches, experiencing intense drowsiness, lacking a sense of refreshment, and finding it very difficult to concentrate.