Snoring, Sleep Problems Predict Increased Heart Risk

Not sleeping soundly, or quietly for that matter? It might not only be annoying, but dangerous. Those who snore loudly, have difficulty falling asleep, or wake up feeling tired may be at increased risk of developing heart disease and a host of other medical problems, a new study shows. Snoring and sleep issues appeared to double the risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors related to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, reports Health.com via CNN.

The study covers familiar ground in terms of sleep-related health trouble, but the study is the first to follow participants over time to track metabolic syndrome. Sleep problems are a “big deal," says one doctor not involved with the study. "They’re bad for the heart, bad for diabetes and they lead to heart attacks and stroke...It’s going to shorten your life.” Another doctor called it an “epidemic” that is “almost in parallel” with obesity. (More snoring stories.)