Sleep apnoea can increase a person's chances of stroke. In fact, studies show that more than 60% of patients who have had a stroke also have sleep apnoea. Stroke patients with untreated sleep apnoea may have a harder time recovering after a stroke than those receiving treatment.

Recovering from a stroke takes much energy and motivation, but the sleepiness that comes from untreated sleep apnoea can make it difficult for a person to follow rehabilitation programs, causing poor recovery.