Sleep apnea does not cause death, but researchers say it erodes health over time. Apnea has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
An estimated 12-to-18 million Americans suffer from severe apnea.
Sleeping disorder may shorten life
A study from the National Institutes of Health shows people with severe sleep apnea are more likely to die from any cause than those without it.
