The Facts
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.