A sleep stroke, medically referred to as a “wake-up stroke,” is a serious cerebrovascular event that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blocked artery or a ruptured blood vessel, during the night while a person is asleep. Unlike strokes that happen during the day, sleep strokes often go unnoticed until the affected individual wakes up, which can be dangerous because it delays medical attention and increases the likelihood of severe, long-term neurological damage. Experts emphasize that recognizing the risk and understanding preventive measures are crucial for protecting both brain and heart health.
