Why does cerebral infarction often cause excessive sleepiness?
Jul 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
In general, excessive sleepiness in cerebral infarction patients may be caused by cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, excessive physical exhaustion, worsened cerebral blood supply insufficiency, cerebral edema, or concurrent sleep apnea syndrome. If experiencing any discomfort, timely medical attention is recommended. In daily life, maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late. Choose a lateral (side-lying) sleeping position to reduce the risk of airway obstruction.
Generally, excessive sleepiness in cerebral infarction patients may be caused by cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, excessive physical exhaustion, worsening cerebral hypoperfusion, cerebral edema, or comorbid sleep apnea syndrome. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Cerebral Ischemia and Hypoxia
Cerebral infarction causes blockage of cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood supply to brain tissue and leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrients. This affects brain nerve function and causes frequent drowsiness. Keep indoor air well-ventilated by opening windows 2-3 times daily. Engage in mild physical activities appropriately, such as slow walking, under a doctor's guidance to promote blood circulation.
2. Excessive Physical Exhaustion
After a cerebral infarction, limb movement may be impaired, requiring more physical effort for daily activities. Combined with the body's recovery phase, this can easily lead to fatigue and excessive sleepiness. Arrange activity and rest periods reasonably to avoid overexertion. Family members can assist with certain physical tasks to reduce the patient's energy consumption.
3. Worsening Cerebral Hypoperfusion
After a stroke, the regulatory function of cerebral blood vessels declines. Blood pressure fluctuations or further vascular narrowing can worsen cerebral hypoperfusion, resulting in increased drowsiness, possibly accompanied by dizziness. Under medical guidance, medications such as Ginkgo biloba extract tablets, Nimodipine tablets, and Betahistine tablets may be used to improve cerebral circulation.
Localized cerebral edema may occur after cerebral infarction, compressing surrounding neural tissues, affecting brain arousal function, and causing drowsiness, which may be accompanied by headaches. Under medical supervision, drugs such as Mannitol Injection, Glycerol Fructose Injection, and Furosemide Injection may be used to reduce cerebral edema.
5. Comorbid Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Some cerebral infarction patients may have comorbid sleep apnea syndrome, where nocturnal oxygen deficiency worsens, leading to daytime sleepiness, possibly accompanied by snoring and episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy should be used under medical guidance. If necessary, medications such as Hongcao Zhihan Capsules, Montelukast Sodium Tablets, and Aminophylline Tablets may be used as adjunctive treatments.
In daily life, maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule and avoid staying up late. Adopt a lateral sleeping position to reduce the risk of airway obstruction. If excessive sleepiness worsens or consciousness becomes impaired, seek immediate medical attention.
