More than 18 million adults in the U.S. suffer from sleep apnea, and while it’s a condition that can’t be 100% prevented, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, and it’s one Dr. Buck sees in many of his patients. When this happens, the body and brain aren’t getting the oxygen they need to function properly, so it’s easy to see how this disorder can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. Sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing sleep apnea.