Sleep Disorders and Risk of Ischemic Stroke.

Abstract

Sleep is a highly coordinated physiologic state, which is essential for the functional integrity of the neurons and brain. It is crucial for survival. Nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREM) vagal dominance enables the neural/cardiovascular axis to regenerate homeostasis after periods of stress or fatigue during wakefulness. Any reasons for sleep interruption or deprivation like periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS), insomnia, shift work, and obstructive sleep apnea have a negative effect on cardiovascular homeostasis and restoration. Sleep disorders have a fundamental contribution to cerebrovascular and other cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of sleep disorders in the risk of cerebrovascular ischemic stroke and help both neuropsychiatrists and our community to realize the great value of diagnosis and management of sleep disorders for effective prevention of ischemic stroke and proper care. Further attention and care should be given to the early identification of sleep disorders in risky patients to avoid major cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events.