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Symptom #2: Waking Up With Sudden Dizziness or Disorientation
What It Feels Like
- Room spinning when you wake
- Trouble focusing your eyes
- Feeling unsteady when standing at night
Why It Matters
Dizziness upon waking may be related to:
- Blood pressure fluctuations
- Reduced blood flow to the brain
- Irregular heart rhythm during sleep
In some cases, these episodes may reflect transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)—often called “mini-strokes”—which are serious warning signs.
Symptom #3: Loud Snoring or Breathing Pauses (Sleep Apnea)
What It Looks Like
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Pauses in breathing noticed by a partner
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Why It Matters
Sleep apnea is one of the strongest sleep-related risk factors for stroke.
It causes:
- Repeated drops in oxygen
- Sudden spikes in blood pressure
- Increased strain on blood vessels
- Chronic inflammation
People over 40 with untreated sleep apnea have a significantly higher risk of stroke, even if they feel otherwise healthy.
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