Stroke

Sleep apnea is also indicated in increased stroke risk. People with untreated sleep apnea run a 2-3 times greater risk of suffering from certain types of strokes than those who are treated. In addition, stroke victims have a tendency to develop sleep apnea as a direct result of the event. This becomes a vicious cycle with subsequent stroke risk increasing by 2-3 times because of the development of apnea. The best defense is to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and discuss them with your doctor.