A stroke occurs when the brain’s blood supply is cut off, leading to brain cell damage or death.
Though strokes can happen suddenly, your body often signals danger in advance—especially at night. Adults over 40 should be particularly alert to these warning signs, as dismissing them could increase the risk of a serious medical emergency.
Below are six nighttime symptoms that may indicate an impending stroke, along with why they happen and what you can do to lower your risk.
1. Recurring Nighttime Headaches
Occasional headaches are common, but severe or persistent ones that strike during sleep may point to high blood pressure or a looming stroke.
Why it happens:
• A stroke can restrict blood flow in the brain, creating pressure and pain.
• Blood pressure, a major stroke risk factor, often spikes overnight.
When to be concerned:
• If headaches wake you up frequently.
• If the pain is sudden, unusually severe, or different from your normal headaches.
What to do:
• Regularly monitor blood pressure.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine before bedtime.
2. Numbness or Sleep Paralysis
Sudden weakness, numbness, or even temporary paralysis during sleep may signal an early stroke.
Why it happens:
• A mini-stroke (TIA) can cause short-term loss of muscle control.
• Low oxygen to the brain may trigger paralysis or numbness, usually on one side of the body.
When to be concerned:
• If you wake unable to move for several seconds or minutes.
• If numbness affects your arms, legs, or face.
What to do:
• Perform the FAST test (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency).
• Seek medical advice if symptoms repeat.
3. Loud Snoring or Sleep Apnea
Snoring might seem harmless, but loud, uneven snoring or sleep apnea greatly raises stroke risk.
Why it happens:
• Sleep apnea causes pauses in breathing, lowering oxygen levels and raising blood pressure—both major stroke triggers.
• Repeated oxygen disruptions during sleep strain the brain and raise stroke likelihood.
When to be concerned:
• If you gasp, choke, or wake frequently in the night.
• If you feel unusually tired during the day despite getting sleep.
