Patients with sleep apnea have an increased risk of developing potentially life-threatening conditions. Early screening and identification of sleep apnea may help to prevent the development of these other conditions. Once patients have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have begun therapy for their sleep apnea, close follow-up is important in order to ensure that they are receiving appropriate treatment for their sleep apnea. Effective treatment not only results in better sleep, but may also decrease the risk of developing other potentially life-threatening conditions.