| Featured Research  Sleep apnea increases stroke risk
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of long-term disability. New research shows that sleep apnea, which often goes undiagnosed, is associated with an increased risk of stroke in middle-aged and older adults. Sleep apnea is a widespread disorder in which a person has one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while he or she sleeps. Breathing pauses typically last longer than 10 seconds and occur 10–20 times or more an hour. Breathing may resume with a loud snort, choking sounds, or snoring. This new research shows that even mild sleep apnea increases the risk of stroke, especially in men. Read a summary of the study and learn what it means for you NHLBI Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI) Sleep apnea Sleep apnea is diagnosed based on medical and family histories, a physical exam, and results from sleep studies. Usually, a primary care doctor evaluates the symptoms first and then decides whether a person needs to see a sleep specialist. Treatment is aimed at restoring regular breathing during sleep and relieving symptoms. Lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, breathing devices, and/or surgery are used to treat sleep apnea. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults. Learn more about sleep apnea Researcher Profile Dr. Nirinjini Naidoo Dr. Naidoo is undertaking a comprehensive search for biomarkers of sleep loss. Supported by an NHLBI American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded grant, her goal is to develop a profile of sleepiness—a snapshot of all the proteins and other molecules in blood that define sleepy or nonsleepy. She hopes the sleep biomarkers will help researchers and physicians track sleep deprivation or the role of sleep loss in various diseases. "Sleep is definitely not just an 'off' state," says Dr. Naidoo. "Research is telling us that our bodies are actually very busy when we sleep—restocking cellular components, consolidating memories, and strengthening connections between nerve cells in the brain." Meet Dr. Naidoo and learn more about her research Popular NHLBI Resources Your Guide to Healthy Sleep
This booklet for patients and the public provides science-based information about sleep. It includes information on sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and some parasomnias. At a Glance: Healthy Sleep
This easy-to-read fact sheet provides information about sleep, dispels common sleep myths, and provides practical tips for getting a good night's sleep. News and Events - American College of Cardiology Conference, April 3–5, 2011, New Orleans, LA
- Student National Medical Association Conference, April 20–24, 2011, Indianapolis, IN
- NHLBI Mitochondrial Biology Symposium 2011, May 16–17, Bethesda, MD
Advances in Mitochondrial Dynamics and Mitochondrial-Cytosolic Communications | 