4.8x

Times greater odds of dying of cancer among people with severe sleep apnea, compared with those who don’t have the condition, according to an 18-year study of 1,500 adults. Sleep apnea occurs when breathing is halted during sleep — a problem that is more common among obese people — resulting in frequent nighttime awakenings. The disruptions prevent people from getting enough restorative sleep and also deprive cells of oxygen, which may contribute to the cancer link, posit the study’s authors. [via Science News]

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