I think a lot of sleep problems are being resolved via CPAP devices.

I know one relative who I'm pretty certain died in her sleep because of unresolved sleep apnea.

When you stop breathing while sleeping, your body adjusts by taking you out of deep sleep towards wakefulness, while your blood pressure rises towards 300. When you finally take a breath -- if the high blood pressure didn't set off a heart attack or stroke -- your restful sleep is ruined.

Sleep anpea also causes other problems. when your throat closes and you try to breath, it's likely you will suck stomach acid out of your stomach into your throat and possibly lungs.

If you snore (not a requirement), wake up during the night with heartburn, or die of a heart attack or stroke in your sleep, you should investigate a cpap.