Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder. People who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing while they are asleep, sometimes as much as 400 times a night. These interruptions of sleep prevent them from getting the rest they need.
     About 90% of all people with sleep apnea have "obstructive" apnea. The tongue, tonsils, uvula (that little piece of flesh that hangs down in the back of the throat), fatty tissue in the throat or relaxed throat muscles have all been known to block the windpipe (trachea) in people with obstructive sleep apnea.
The other 10% of people suffering from this disorder have "central" sleep apnea, which involves the central nervous system. The muscles used for breathing don't get the signal from the brain that tells you to take a breath.
     About 18 million people in the US suffer from sleep apnea. It is more common in men and people over 40, but it can happen to anyone.  Symptoms include heavy snoring or long pauses in breathing, (which are more apt to be noticed by someone other than the person who has the disorder), morning headaches, forgetfulness, daytime sleepiness and mood changes.
     Sleep apnea can be dangerous. In addition to the problems inherent to being overtired, there is an increased risk of heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and stroke. Your doctor can diagnose sleep apnea, but he may also refer you to a sleep clinic to have a sleep study. The tests done there can show the type and severity of your sleep apnea, which will help determine the appropriate way to treat it.
     There are devices available that can be used to treat mild cases of obstructive apnea. There are also some simple lifestyle changes that can help:

• Don't use sleep medications or alcohol. They relax the muscles in your throat and make it even harder to breathe.
  
• Don't smoke.
  
• Maintain a healthy weight.
  
• Don't sleep on your back. Sleep on your side instead.
  

      According to the American Medical Association website, www.medem.com,  it is a myth that people need less sleep as they age. Instead, a variety of problems contribute to older people sleeping less well than they may have done in their younger years.
     While sleep apnea may be a factor for some seniors, chronic illness, depression, medications, alcohol, caffeine or taking daytime naps also may  interfere with getting a full night's sleep.
     In the absence of a medical problem, there are some small changes that may make a big difference in the amount and quality of your sleep. Try to go to bed at the same time each night. During the day, get enough exercise and spend some of the time outdoors to increase exposure to natural light. If you take a nap, don't sleep more than half an hour. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and    tobacco in the evening, and limit the amount of liquid you drink near bedtime.
     If these measures don't help, it may be time to talk things over with your health care provider.