Researchers are now suggesting that people who have insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea get tested for the probability of heart problems. A new study has found that people who have a sleep disorder are more likely to suffer from heart problems and are almost 50% more likely to die compared to those who don’t have the condition.
The researchers from Finders University completed a study of over 5,000 people to understand the impact of comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (COMISA). There has previously been very little known about the effects of comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.
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However, researchers did know that for people with both conditions, health outcomes were worse than those with neither condition or with either condition alone.
The participants for the study were all aged around 60 years in the beginning and were followed for approximately 15 years. The studies suggest that participants with COMISA were twice as likely to have high blood pressure and 70% more likely to have cardiovascular disease than patients with either sleep disorder.
It was also noted that participants with COMISA had a 47% increased risk of dying for any health reason compared to participants with no insomnia or sleep apnea. These outcomes were recorded even when other factors known to increase mortality were taken into account.
As the first study to assess mortality risk in participants with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea, researchers were able to conclude that people who suffered from sleep issues were more at risk to have heart problems.
Health Screening
Dr. Lechat, who led the study, said, “Given that these people are at higher risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes, it is important that people undergoing screening for one disorder should also be screened for the other.”
Further research is needed to understand the relationship between higher mortality risk for those with COMISA and to ensure that treatments are working effectively. As specific treatments are needed for people with co-occurring disorders, it’s important to understand the efficacy in this specific population.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
