Can a sleep disorder really kill you?
The recent death of NFL star Reggie White has put the spotlight on a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. While this is a common disorder affecting 12 million adults and children, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
People with sleep apnea periodically stop breathing while they sleep. They experience loud snoring and awaken through the night, which leads to daytime fatigue. Sleep apnea can be life threatening.
"If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase a person's risk for high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke," cautions Virtua Health pulmonologist and sleep specialist
Frank Trudo, MD. Depending on the severity of sleep apnea, treatment may include: a weight loss program, sleeping devices, such as a mask worn over the nose during sleep to open the airway, or surgery.
Virtua offers medical evaluation and diagnostic testing for
sleep disorders at
sleep centers in Marlton, Mt. Holly and Cherry Hill. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call
1-888-Virtua-3.