Abstract

Background: More than 50% of stroke patients have sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), mostly in the form of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). SDB represents both a risk factor and a consequence of stroke. The presence of SDB has been linked with the poorer long-term outcome and increased long-term stroke mortality. About 20 to 40% of stroke patients have sleep-wake disorders (SWD), mostly in form of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness/fatigue, or hypersomnia (increased sleep needs). Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of risk factors in patients with acute stroke and sleep apnea. Methods: The study included patients without cognitive impairment or with mild cognitive impairment. The diagnosis of apnea syndrome was made on the basis of the Snoring and Apnea Syndrome Questionnaire, the Epworth Sleep Scale, the Berlin Questionnaire, the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and the General Sleep Questionnaire. The severity of stroke was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Rankin Disability Scale. Patients with a Glasgow score

Key words: Stroke, Sleep apnea, Risk Factors.