While depression itself doesn’t directly cause death during sleep, it can increase the risk of various health issues that may lead to serious complications or even death when asleep. Individuals with severe depression may experience disruptions in their sleep patterns, such as insomnia or hypersomnia. These sleep disturbances can increase the impact of the physical and emotional toll of depression, potentially contributing to a weakened immune system, heart problems, and a higher risk of accidents or self-harm.