Preventing Sleep Stroke at Any Age: 5 “Don’ts” Before Bed—And 6 “Do’s” to Protect Your Heart and Brain

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This guide explores the warning signs of a sleep stroke, along with five critical “don’ts” and six smart “do’s” to follow each night.

What Is a Sleep Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted—either by a clot that blocks a vessel (ischemic stroke) or by a burst or leaking blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). When the event happens during sleep, doctors call it a wake-up stroke.

Because symptoms don’t appear until you wake up, treatment is often delayed. This is why nighttime prevention is so important.

How Do You Know If You Had a Stroke in Your Sleep?

If you wake up feeling “off” or notice sudden changes, it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs. Symptoms may include:

  • Numbness or paralysis on one side of the body (arm, leg, or face)
  • Slurred speech or difficulty forming words
  • Trouble understanding what others are saying
  • Confusion or sudden disorientation
  • Blurred, blackened, or double vision
  • Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance
  • A severe, unexplained headache
  • Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness

Doctors also recommend remembering the FAST test:

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