Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that occurs when people's throats close off and they stop breathing during sleep. People who suffer from sleep apnea get an urgent message from the brain that they must wake up and take a breath. This can happen multiple times every hour, disrupting the sleep cycles. Snoring or sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking are common symptoms of sleep apnea. Other symptoms include morning headaches, dry mouth and excessive daytime sleepiness. Very effective treatments are available, but many sleep apnea sufferers don't realize that they have the disorder.

MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY VIDEOS

CHAPTER 1 The Importance of Sleep Sleep is not a luxury. It is essential to our fitness, memory, mood and overall health. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 3 We Sleep in Cycles Our sleep progresses through four distinct cycles, and each plays a role in maintaining our health. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 10 Sleep and Your Weight A good night's sleep keeps two important appetite-control hormones in balance. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 14 (currently viewing) Could You Have Sleep Apnea? This breathing disorder disrupts sleep and plays havoc with your health. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 17 Seniors Need Sleep Seniors should still aim for about eight hours of sleep per night. VIEW VIDEO