BLOGS & NEWS

Strokes and Sleep Disruptions

Sleep disruptions or a change in sleep patterns is common after suffering a stroke. More than half of stroke survivors experience problems sleeping in the months following their strokes. Insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders, and sleep-wake cycle disorders can lead to a slower recovery, depression, or memory problems.

Quality sleep is beneficial for stroke survivors. A good night’s sleep supports neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to restructure and create new neural connections in healthy parts of the brain. This allows stroke survivors to re-learn movements and functions.

There are various ways to minimize sleep disruptions following a stroke, which may include:

• Relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness techniques
• A consistent sleep and bedtime schedule
• Maintaining a cool temperature in the bedroom
• Darkening of the bedroom by eliminating any light from windows, phones, televisions, clocks
• Increased movement or exercise during waking hours
• Airflow and breathing treatments that may include a mouthpiece or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine
• Bright-light therapy
• Melatonin

If you or a loved one has experienced sleep disruptions following a stroke, contact a healthcare professional to determine what sleep-assistance options are best for you.