Sleep disorders are associated with 3.4%-8.4% mortality in the United States, primarily in adults. However, demographic and regional disparities in mortality trends are still unexplored.

CDC WONDER death certificate data (1999-2020) was obtained to identify national trends in sleep disorder-related mortality among adults (45+ years). Age-adjusted mortality Rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals were calculated and further categorized by sex, race/ethnicity, urban/rural setting, and geographic location. Joinpoint regression software was used to examine the trend and Annual Percentage Change (APCs).

A total of 221,213 deaths were reported in adults with sleep disorders. Overall, the AAMR increased from 2.57 in 1999 to 16.85 in 2020. The trend increased from 1999 to 2006 [APC, 12.9% (10.9-16.3)]. Following a steady rise until 2018 [APC, 6.2% (4.7-6.7)], with a substantial increase till 2020 [APC, 14.4% (8.9-17.2)]. Males had a higher AAMR (8.41) than females (5.86). Non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks had the highest AAMR (9.82), followed by NH American Indian (9.07), NH Whites (8.87), Hispanics (4.98), and NH Asians (2.29). Regionally, the Midwest had the highest AAMR (10.23), with non-metropolitan areas showing a higher AAMR (9.87) than metropolitan cities (8.14). Additionally, Montana had the highest AAMR (15.16) while New York the lowest (3.84).