Stories like that of Roberto, a 68-year-old man who appeared healthy and active but died in his sleep from a sudden heart attack, highlight a broader issue. While such cases can have multiple causes, certain nighttime habits may contribute to long-term cardiovascular stress without obvious warning signs.
Below are some commonly discussed risk factors, along with practical ways to reduce them.
1. Sleeping on Your Back with Untreated Sleep Apnea
One of the most concerning issues is untreated obstructive sleep apnea—a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
Typical signs include loud snoring, gasping during the night, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. When breathing pauses occur, oxygen levels drop, triggering spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this repeated stress may increase cardiovascular risk.
Sleeping on your back can make symptoms worse, as gravity can narrow the airway.
What may help:
- Try sleeping on your side
- Elevate your head slightly
- Use supportive pillows to maintain position
- Seek medical evaluation if symptoms are present