Sleep Disorders after Stroke

ABSTRACT

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and sleep-wake disorders (SWD) are frequent after stroke. Not only brain damage per se but also the consequences of stroke (immobilization, pain, hypoxia, depression etc) affect sleep wake cycle and breathing control. SDB and SWDs have a negative effect on rehabilitation outcome and quality of life after stroke. A high suspicion may lead to a diagnosis and subsequent treatment of sleep disorders after stroke and contribute to rehabilitation of these patients. This article summarizes the knowledge about the role of SDB and SWD after stroke, reviewing clinical characteristics, clinical outcome after stroke, diagnosis and treatment of various sleep disturbances.