How harmful is insomnia?

Boston – Certain insomnia symptoms may increase the risk of dying from heart disease, suggests a new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard University.

Researchers tracked 23,447 men with insomnia from 2004 through 2010. During that time, 2,025 of the men died. Two insomnia symptoms were linked to higher odds of death – trouble falling asleep (55 percent more likely) and not feeling rested after sleep (32 percent more likely) – compared to men without those symptoms.

Although noting that that more research is needed, researchers said the findings presented “overwhelming evidence” of the importance of good sleep hygiene and quality rest.

The study was published online Nov. 13 in the journal Circulation.