A new study concluded that severe breathing disorders are linked to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other health issues that can lead to death.
People with milder conditions have lower risk, but the factors are still evident in the study.
The risk is highest in males between 40 and 70 years of age.
Breathing disorders such as severe sleep apnea restrict the airway during normal sleep patterns and can cause interruptions that could last between 20 to 30 seconds in severe cases.
After the study of 6400 men and women over an average period of 8 years was completed, 46% were found to be more likely to die than the normal subjects.
The demographic of males between 40 and 70 had a mortality rate twice the normal average of the same group without these sleep issues.
It is estimated that between 12 and 18 million people suffer from sleep apnea and could be at risk of a higher death rate due to severe breathing episodes during normal sleep cycles.
Obesity has been linked to sleep apnea and other breathing disorders and the ability to shed excess weight seems to be the best course of treatment.
Other options include instruments such as mouthpieces and masks to help keep airways open during the night.
Surgery is another possible approach that may be pursued in the event the cause is due to a throat obstruction like tonsils.
If the person feels fatigued on a regular basis with confirmation from the spouse that nightly snoring may be excessive, it may be best to consult a health care provider for additional testing.
In summary, it has been widely known that breathing disorders like sleep apnea can be the cause of health issues, but this study adds credence to the theory and should be taken seriously.