In fact, many deaths attributed to other causes, such as heart disease or traffic accidents, may actually be related to sleep disorders. Linda Patterson, extension health education specialist at Mississippi State University, said an estimated 30 million Americans have some type of sleep disorder. Most of these remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Sleep apnea is a disorder often characterized by snoring.
Though some people take snoring lightly or even believe it to be a sign of good sleep, it actually may be the body's cry for help. Not all snoring is a sign of sleep apnea, but when an individual snores so loudly that it disturbs others, obstructive sleep apnea is almost certain to be present. Some studies show the disorder is associated with a three to seven times increase of automobile accident risk, and it may increase chances of developing heart disease. For a person suffering from sleep apnea syndrome, irritability, mood changes, lowered sexual drive and a reduction of intellectual ability can become part of everyday life. They also have increased risks of high blood pressure and stroke, depression and death either in accidents or in their sleep.