A recent study shows that people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep less than seven hours each night have a higher risk of death compared to those who sleep longer. This sleep disorder causes the throat muscles to relax and block the individual's upper airway, resulting in breathing disturbances during sleep. According to this research, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea and insufficient sleep also have a higher likelihood of developing insulin resistance, visceral obesity, and hypertension.

Based on research conducted between 1995 and 1998, researchers found a strong relationship between higher risk of death and sleeping less than seven hours per night. However, they also noted that "further research is still needed to investigate the health impacts of extending sleep duration overnight among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and those with short sleep duration." Over the years, short sleep duration has always been associated with higher cardiovascular risk and mortality.

Researchers state that it is still unknown what causes the high risk of death in patients with OSA who experience sleep deprivation. However, their speculation suggests two factors that may contribute to this relationship, which are fragmented sleep and frequent awakenings during sleep.

When OSA recurs, it causes respiratory obstruction that results in the body lacking oxygen. This process makes the brain perceive that the body is in an emergency condition and then triggers a sympathetic response or stress mode. The brain will make every effort to keep its owner alive, including waking them up and restoring normal breathing patterns.

Experts recommend that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) consult directly with healthcare providers, so they can be referred to specialists who can conduct further diagnosis. Treatment options for OSA patients generally include the use of CPAP machines to choosing a better sleeping pillow.