This document discusses sleep apnea, a disorder that causes loud snoring, gasping, and breathing interruptions during sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems and potentially be fatal. Symptoms include loud snoring, headaches, forgetfulness and fatigue. Sleep apnea is usually treated through lifestyle changes, dental devices, or continuous positive airway pressure treatment involving wearing a mask during sleep.

1. A Primer on the Effects and
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

2. 
Dr. Frank Brettschneider is a triple board certified
otolaryngologist, allergist, and orofacial surgeon
who has earned more than 20 years of medical
experience.

At his private practice in Port Huron, Michigan, Dr.
Frank Brettschneider provides treatment for a range
of issues, including sleep apnea.

3. 
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes loud snoring,
gasping, and breathing interruptions during sleep.

A serious condition, untreated sleep apnea can lead
to a number of health problems and in extreme cases
can even be fatal.

Although it most frequently affects adults over 40,
sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age.

However, several physical characteristics can
increase a person's risk for developing the condition,
such as having a large neck, sinus problems, or a
family history of the disorder, as well as being
overweight.

4. 
Often, individuals with sleep apnea are unaware
they have the disorder until a family member notices
loud snoring and breathing interruptions during
sleep.

However, sleep apnea can also cause very noticeable
daytime symptoms, such as headaches,
forgetfulness, and fatigue.

The condition is usually treated with relative ease
through lifestyle changes, dental devices, or
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
treatment, which involves wearing a mask over the
nose and mouth during sleep.