Sleep apnea can be life threatening if untreated.
The disorder contributes to heart disease, problems with blood pressure, decreased mental faculties, sexual problems and psychological problems including but not limited to depression, as well as falling asleep while at work, on the phone, or while driving. To diagnose sleep apnea, sleep disorders experts at Franklin Square study a patient during an overnight stay at the hospital's Sleep Center. A variety of readings are taken during the course of the study, from heart rate to brain activity. An estimated 18 million people suffer from sleep apnea. The disorder presents itself in all age groups and both sexes but is most common among men.