This week is National Sleep Awareness Week, and to celebrate the Loyola University Health System's Center for Sleep Disorders is encouraging all people who have any kind of sleep disturbance (snoring, gasping for air, waking up still tired, etc) be checked out for possible sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea affects more than 18 million people across the U.S., and although it's easily treatable it is also very serious when left undiagnosed. Risks increase for heart attack and stroke, not to mention all the negative effects from sleep deprivation.

So take some time this week to talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk -- your heart will thank you.