Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects roughly 18 million Americans. The sleep condition causes numerous pauses in breathing several times throughout the night due to the passages in the airway collapsing, resulting in restricted oxygen levels. When left untreated, it can lead to potentially deadly complications as it increases your risk for cardiovascular disease and other health complications. While anyone can develop the condition, those who are obese or have excess body weight are as much as 40% more likely to develop the condition. Although you cannot fully prevent sleep apnea in Topeka, new research shows that lowering your risk may be as simple as exercising.