Have you ever heard of a condition known as sleep apnea ? It is a common and potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, while increasing the chances of stroke and heart attack.

Sleep apnea can affect infants, children, and adults, although some of the symptoms are different depending on age.

If you have some of these 13 signs, then chances are you may have this disorder:

1. Loud snoring.
2. Someone has told you that you snore and sometimes stop breathing when you sleep.
3. Sometimes you suddenly wake up short of breath.
4. Sometimes you wake up choking or gasping.
5. You often wake up to go to the bathroom.
6. You wake up with a dry mouth or a sore throat.
7. You often wake up with a headache.
8. You have insomnia (difficulty staying asleep).
9. You have hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness during the day).
10. You have problems with attention, concentration or memory when you are awake.
11. You are nervous and experience mood swings.
12. You have risk factors for sleep apnea, such as being overweight or obese, drinking alcohol, or smoking.
13. You have little desire for sex or are experiencing problems with sex.

If you have the warning signs of sleep apnea, discuss the symptoms with your doctor.