Sleep apnea

A potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.

Self-care

Self-care options include losing excess weight, getting regular exercise, and sleeping in a side position. Saline nose spray may help keep nasal passages open.

When to make a doctor's appointment

See a doctor if:

Snoring loud enough to disturb sleep
Shortness of breath, gasping for air, or choking that awakens from sleep
Intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep
Excessive daytime drowsiness