Do you have troubles staying asleep at night? Do you often wake up in the middle of the night and feel like you haven't taken a breath for awhile or are choking? How about during the day? Are you often tired and/or lackluster? Well, you're not alone. There are over 15 million Americans who suffer from a sleep disorder called sleep apnea.

There are two different types of sleep apnea: Central Sleep Apnea, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Central Sleep Apnea has to do with the brain not sending breathing messages to the body. This is a function of the Central Nervous System. This type of sleep apnea is less likely to happen to the normal person and is usually found in people who have heart failure or have had a stroke.

The most common type of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea and happens with the back of the throat is blocked. Many times people who sleep on their backs suffer from obstructive sleep apnea because in this position, as you relax into sleep, the muscles in your throat also relax and can narrow or block the airway. This is also why some people start to snore as sleep sets in. However, a person who has obstructive sleep apnea does not necessarily snore.

When you relax and get sleepy, and breathe through your nose and mouth, your airway sometimes narrows or closes. You either struggle to catch your breath or wake yourself trying to breathe. If you don't wake up fully and get several deep breaths, your throat will relax and this will happen again and again. You may have this happen several times during the night.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options: Sleep apnea is normally diagnosed by a health care provider after a series of tests in which you are usually admitted to the hospital for a night of observation. The treatment options vary depending on how often your airway is obstructed, and if you totally stop breathing during the night.

Most of the time doctors prescribe a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. People with CPAP machines wear a mask over their mouth and/or nose while sleeping that delivers a continuous, gentle flow of air into your airway. You won't have problems with airway blockage or closure, but you will still be able to relax and sleep. Other dental devices may also be tried instead of a CPAP machine.

Before you take these steps, however, try selecting a pillow that is designed specifically for snorers or persons with sleep apnea. Simply changing the position in which you sleep can make a huge difference! Additionally, stop taking any sleeping pills, because these can relax your throat muscles and make your symptoms even worse.