Sleep apnea is a common disorder affecting more than 18 million Americans. It is a potentially serious condition that can not only lead to a significant impact on quality of life, but can also cause many complications, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and dementia. Additionally, studies have shown that sleep apnea and acid reflux (GERD) often coexist together. Risk factors for sleep apnea include being: male, post-menopausal female, overweight or over 40 years of age. If you exhibit one or more of the following symptoms, you may have sleep apnea:

• Loud or frequent snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Waking with headache
• Frequent nighttime bathroom use
• Waking with a feeling of choking
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hyper activity or learning problems in children