SUDDEN-DEATH AND SLEEPING HISTORY AMONG FINNISH MEN

An autopsy was performed in 460 consecutive cases of sudden death among 35- to 76-year-old men. The closest cohabiting individual known to each decreased subject was interviewed. Snoring history was obtained in 321 of the 371 interviews. In 86 cases there was a history of 'habitual' (almost always or always) snoring, and 88 men snored 'often'. The mean age of subjects was 55.4 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.3 kg m-2. Among the obese snorers (n = 82), apnoeas had been observed 'occasionally', 'often', or 'habitually' in 49 cases. Death was classified as cardiovascular in 186 (40.4%) cases. Cardiovascular cause of death was more common among those who snored habitually or often than among those who snored occasionally or never (P < 0.05). 'Habitual' snorers died more often while sleeping (P < 0.05). Habitual snoring was found to be a risk factor for morning death (P < 0.01). The possibility of obstructive sleep apnoea as a cause of sudden death should at least be considered if the deceased is known to have been a habitual snorer.