Answer: Sleep apnea is a condition where you literally stop breathing when you are asleep. In some cases you can stop breathing many times in a night and actually wake up before you breathe again. This prevents you from getting REM sleep, which is the deep dreaming restful sleep you need!Untreated it can cause serious health problems or even death. There are several treatments available. Some people can be helped with minor surgery, some are helped with a mask device (CPAP) that provides a positve airflow and keeps your airways open.You are doing the right thing being tested.