Sleep apnea is a dangerous medical condition in which you can temporarily stop breathing up to several times per hour. People who snore heavily are at a higher risk of developing this condition, as are overweight individuals. You may wake yourself up with loud snores or because you are gasping for breath. Some of the negative effects of untreated sleep apnea include:

• Weight gain not explained by poor diet or lack of exercise
• Anxiety, irritability, depression, and other mood disturbances
• Not feeling rested when you wake up in the morning and feeling tired during daytime hours
• Difficulty concentrating

Sleep apnea can be especially problematic for those with certain medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a previous stroke.