If you think you might be experiencing sleep apnea, you can try a number of self-help sleep apnea treatments. A few symptoms of sleep apnea are constant tiredness, unending headaches, waking with a dry, scratchy throat, or waking at night and finding yourself gasping for air. Often though, you won't wake up completely when your breathing becomes difficult, so you may not be able to diagnose sleep apnea by yourself.

However, it seems logical that if you're very tired during the day, or find yourself needing frequent naps (or even falling asleep at your desk for a few minutes), you might want to consider a few self help sleep apnea treatments and/or see a doctor for further diagnosis.

Statistics show that more men than women suffer from sleep apnea, but if you're overweight, or smoke, you are more likely to suffer from this serious condition. This is where a self help sleep apnea treatment is the best defense. If you smoke - stop smoking. I know, that's easier said than done - but maybe cut down in the evening and see if it makes a difference.

If you need to lose weight, you might want to find a healthy way to lose weight and see if that helps your sleep apnea too. And, if it does, hopefully you've made the best lifestyle change you could possibly have as you figure out how to lose weight and keep it off.

One other effective sleep apnea treatment is avoiding sleeping on your back. Fatty tissue in your throat or having larger tonsils will relax and block your airway while you are sleeping, which can make you stop breathing. Some people also find special pillows that elevate their heads helpful.

If none of this works, it's time to see a doctor. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, the best sleep apnea treatment may come in the form of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This is a specialized airway machine that delivers a gentle flow of air into your body so you keep breathing. It also prevents your throat from closing up, which is the main cause of gasping for air in the middle of the night.