Chronic sleep problems also increase the risk of premature death from all causes and from cardiovascular disease. The problem is particularly severe in people with obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition caused by airway collapse during sleep, which decreases blood oxygen levels. Sleep disturbances increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome – a collection of symptoms that include high blood pressure, abdominal fat deposition, abnormal blood fats and insulin resistance. Sleep disturbances interfere with signalling pathways that regulate blood sugar. Obstructive sleep apnoea is particularly common in bodybuilders because of their large necks, which increase the risk of airway collapse. See your physician if you snore or have problems sleeping. It could save your life.