What is sleep apnea?

People with sleep apnea stop breathing while they are sleeping. This causes them to wake up gasping and can happen as many as hundreds of times per night, although sleep apnea sufferers do not usually remember waking up.

If you have sleep apnea, your health may be in danger. People with sleep apnea have higher chances of traffic accidents and are more likely to develop serious health problems. Sleep apnea is a known cause of high blood pressure and can lead to to obesity.

Sleep apnea can also cause relationship problems and depression

Health risks

Sleep apnea can be life-threatening. People with sleep apnea have higher chances of serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and obesity.

Treating sleep apnea can improve these problems, as well as a person's overall quality of life. It has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve glucose control and increase energy throughout the day in people with diabetes.

The message is simple—if you have sleep apnea, you need to get treated!

Sleep Apnea and Diabetes
Interview with Dr. Punjabi

The link between sleep apnea and diabetes has been referenced in a growing number of clinical articles. Dr. Naresh M. Punjabi, M.D., Ph.D, an associate professor and physician at John Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center, is a leading expert on this topic with an extensive background in sleep apnea and diabetes.

Do I have sleep apnea?

Usually, people with sleep apnea find out because a spouse or bed partner noticed them snore or stop breathing during sleep. Other common signs and symptoms include:

- Extreme sleepiness
- Frequent snoring
- Stopping breathing during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Weight problems

Sleep apnea is most common among men, people who are overweight and the middle-aged. However, research shows that children and post-menopausal women may also be at risk.

If you think you might have sleep apnea, take this short sleep quiz.

What should I do?

If you think you might have sleep apnea, take the sleep quiz now. Print your results out and take them with you to discuss with your doctor.

Also, be sure to register for a free over-night pulse oximetry testing with permission from your doctor. 

Your doctor may refer you to a sleep lab or center for a diagnostic test. If they determine you have sleep apnea, they will prescribe a treatment for you. We’ll be here to provide you with the equipment.