Older adults who have both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea have much higher rates of all-cause death and heart disease than those with neither disorder, an Australian study shows.

The Flinders University-led team say their findings make clear that these medical conditions should be investigated in tandem to ensure tailored treatments and optimal patient outcomes.

“This is the first study to assess mortality risk in participants with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea,” said lead researcher Dr Bastien Lechat (PhD).

“Given that these people are at higher risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes, it is important that people undergoing screening for one disorder should also be screened for the other.”