Your sleep is absolutely essential to maintaining good health. If you are suffering from a sleep disorder, you know how it impacts every part of your life. Learn about symptoms, treatments, and all of your options for a restful night’s sleep.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas, each last long enough so one or more breaths are missed, and occur repeatedly throughout sleep. Your free guide contains more information about sleep disorders and common treatments.

Some of the most frequent effects of sleep apnea include excessive daytime sleepiness, frequent trips to the bathroom at night, rapid mood shifts, and obesity. These common effects of untreated sleep apnea can hinder your effectiveness at work or the time you spend with family and friends. A sleep specialist or sleep study center can provide an official diagnosis.