May 23, 2013
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, it's a sleeping disorder that's responsible for the deaths of about 38,000 Americans every year and it may have also contributed to the death of NFL great Reggie White.
Medical experts say more than 20 million Americans suffer from the condition. Sleep Apnea happens when your upper airway system is blocked, causing you to stop breathing dozens of times while you sleep.
Doctors say sufferers can use what's called a Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure mask, or "Nasal C-Pap" for short to help them breath continuously during the night.
Medical officials say Sleep Apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes, but is more common in men. Doctors are still investigating what form of Sleep Apnea Reggie White was suffering from and that could be determined in the following weeks.
