Sleep apnea is a common, yet often undiagnosed, disorder characterized by paused or shallow breathing during sleep.

Pauses in breathing can last for 10 seconds or longer and can occur as many as 30 times an hour. When breathing resumes, the person usually makes a loud choking, gasping or snorting sound.

A few of the symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Morning headaches
• Daytime sleepiness
• Dry throat upon wakening

Sleep apnea is usually a chronic condition and the person will experience the sleep disruptions three or more nights per week. Sleep apnea can be dangerous. Not only can it disrupt a person’s sleep, but it also puts them at risk for heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure.

Fortunately, there are many Houston-area sleep apnea treatment centers that can diagnose and treat this disorder. If you believe that you, or someone you love, has sleep apnea, find an accredited Houston sleep apnea treatment center by filling out our easy contact form.