Sleep apnea and stroke risk

Trouble sleeping? Many people discover they have a condition called sleep apnea, which affects breathing during sleep.

Most of us know at least one person who sleeps using a mask to help in breathing. I've seen people getting substantial relief with that treatment.

Now, one more reason to check with your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping. Sleep apnea is a stroke risk:

Through up to 14 years of follow-up, stroke risk increased along with the obstructive sleep apnea index to a similar extent in both men and women, according to Suzanne Bertisch, MD, instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Brookline, Mass.

Much of the risk can be addressed by health professionals, but you have to check!