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Snoring was once considered to be simply an annoyance. It is now known that snoring is sometimes a symptom of a more serious disorder called sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea stop breathing many times during sleep. When breathing resumes, it's often with a loud snort. Some people wake up frequently or awaken feeling short of breath. Most individuals are unaware that their blood oxygen drops and their heart responds in an abnormal rhythm; many awaken feeling more tired than when they went to bed.
During the day, people suffering from sleep apnea often fight to stay awake while they sit in meetings, watch television or drive short distances. Not only are people with sleep apnea at a greater risk for car accidents, but also for high blood pressure and stroke.
Symptoms of chronic breathing problems or heart disease may become worse because of breathing problems during sleep. Some people can't breathe unless they sleep sitting up; others have to go to the bathroom many times a night. Most people with chronic breathing problems have no energy during the day. Often when sleep-related breathing problems are treated, respiratory and heart symptoms get better.
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