Sleep apnea is often thought of as a sleep disorder that causes snoring and daytime fatigue, but its impact reaches far beyond sleep quality. One of the most serious and underrecognized consequences of untreated sleep apnea is an increased risk of stroke. The relationship between stroke and sleep apnea is complex and bidirectional: sleep apnea raises the risk of stroke, and stroke itself can worsen or even cause sleep apnea.
Understanding this connection is critical for prevention, recovery, and long-term brain and cardiovascular health.