Insomnia Linked to Increased Risk of Death

A study being presented today at SLEEP 2009 in Seattle, Wash., links insomnia with short sleep duration to increased mortality. This risk was found in men. The study also found an increased risk in women; but it was not statistically significant.

The study involved 1,741 adults. Their sleep was monitored in a sleep lab. Then they were followed up for 10 to 14 years.

Results show that the highest risk of dying was in men with chronic insomnia who slept five to six hours in the sleep lab. They were five times more likely to die during follow-up; men with insomnia who slept five hours or less were 4.5 times more likely to die. Controlling for depression and sleep-disordered breathing did not change the pattern.

The same research team published a related study in the April 1 issue of the journal Sleep. They reported that insomnia with short sleep time is a significant risk factor for hypertension.

Get help for insomnia at an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.