Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which people literally stop breathing for 10 seconds or more, sometimes hundreds of times every night. It's one of the most common medical conditions in adults, affecting up to 5% of women and 15% of men between the ages of 30 and 60. Most people suffering from sleep apnea also snore, but there's a big difference between the two conditions. While snoring can be annoying, sleep apnea can be life-threatening. During an apnea episode, the body's oxygen levels drop noticeably, carbon dioxide builds up, and the heart has to work harder to cope. Each time it happens, the brain finally sends a signal to wake up so that the person can breathe - and this means never getting a good night's sleep.