Co-Morbid Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Increases Mortality Risk

Individuals with insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may have a higher risk of mortality than individuals with either sleep condition alone, according to the results of a recent study.¹

To better understand the relationship between co-morbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (COMISA) and mortality, the researchers examined data from the Sleep Heart Health Study.

Included were 5236 total participants, of which 52% (n = 2708) did not have either sleep disorder. Insomnia-alone was observed in 3% (n = 170) of participants, OSA-alone was observed in 42% (n = 2221) of participants, and 3% (n = 137) of participants had COMISA. A total of 1210 deaths occurred over the 15-year follow-up period.

Insomnia was defined here as difficulties falling asleep, maintaining sleep, and/or early morning awakenings from sleep 16 times or more per month and daytime impairment. OSA was defined here as an apnea-hypopnea index of 15 or more events per hour of sleep. The presence of both conditions defined COMISA.

When compared with the control group, individuals with COMISA had a higher prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, as well as a 47% higher risk of all-cause mortality. Additionally, a higher risk of hypertension was observed in individuals with insomnia-alone and OSA-alone when compared with the control group.

“Given that these people are at higher risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes, it is important that people undergoing screening for 1 disorder should also be screened for the other,” concluded study author Bastien Lechat in a press release.²

—Leigh Precopio