The loss of sleep and its day time consequences - such as drowsiness and slow reaction time when driving- are sufficient reasons to seek treatment. But in addition, research has linked apnea to a broad range of cardiovascular problems, including hypertension, strokes, heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure, as well as Type 2 diabetes, Stopping breathing for short periods during the night can there are many other ways in which apnea may damage blood vessels and the rest of the cardiovascular system. New research, for instance, has linked apnea to chronic inflammation, which is associated with heart disease. Since many features of sleep apnea overlap with those of the so-called metabolic syndrome (notable obesity, hypertension, and elevated blood sugar). Some researchers believe that apnea should be include as a part of the syndrome.

Your doctor may prescribe CPAP, which stands for “continuous positive airway pressure.” This air pump attached to a mask or nasal tube is effective at maintaining a flow of air while you sleep. Beside being expensive, it is cumbersome and noisy, and many people find it causes nasal congestion and claustrophobia, and thus stop using it.

There are also custom-made mandibular advancement devices (made by dentists who specialize in apnea) that pull the tongue and jaw forward while you sleep. They are expensive, however, and a recent review found they are not as effective as CPAP.

Surgery should be considered only as a last resort. The standard procedure widens the airway and/or corrects other physical problems contributing to apnea. This is major, painful surgery, can have adverse effects, and doesn’t help everyone. There are also less invasive options, notably laser surgery, as well as the Pillar procedure, in which three tiny inserts are implanted into the soft palate in the back of the mouth. But since Pillar is relatively new, there are questions about its long-term safety and effectiveness.

If you aren’t sleeping well and snore loudly, or if you are tried all the time despite what seems to be adequate sleep, talk to your doctor about apnea- particularly if you have hypertension and/or are overweight, you may need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who will refer you to a sleep specialist. Most major Indian hospitals have a sleep clinic these days, Spending the night in such a facility for special testing is the best way to get sleep apnea diagnosed. There is also a home testing device called the Apnea Risk Evaluation System (ARES), which can be attached to your forehead to monitor your snoring, blood oxygen, pulse, head position, and other factors, Available only by prescription, the results have to be interpreted by the company that makes it.

If you have been diagnosed with apnea, do it-yourself therapies such as the following should help, and may even resolve the problem. These steps can also help with regular snoring.