written by Dana Kantrowitz Sleep apnea is more than disruptive snoring. It’s severely restricted airflow during sleep, sometimes several times a night. If not treated, this sleep-related breathing problem can cause serious issues. These include memory loss, heart failure, stroke, and diseases like diabetes. In fact, adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, and more than half of type 2 diabetes patients suffer from OSA. What’s the connection...

Written by Carolyn Farnsworth It is possible for an individual to have both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep apnea. Some risk factors are the same for both conditions. GERD causes symptoms like indigestion and acid reflux. Sleep apnea involves breathing difficulties during sleep. Risk factors for having both conditions may include diabetes, obesity, and smoking (if applicable). Having one condition may also raise the chance of developing the other. This article explores the...

written by: Ghada Bourjeily, MD, FCCP Getting a good night's sleep is important for everyone, and even more so for people who are pregnant. But sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous condition that can interfere with getting the rest you need, and pregnancy can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea.  What is sleep apnea?  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder of abnormal breathing that occurs during sleep. The upper airways are unable to maintain their tone during sleep, resulting...