Dear Dr. Hibberd: Is there any cure for sleep apnea? Are there any natural remedies or lifestyle changes that might help me? I’m a woman in 60s who is a little overweight.

Answer: Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing is disrupted during sleep. Overweight people, and people over 40 are at greater risk for sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can cause hypertension, stroke, or heart failure. Simple changes in lifestyle do help. You can try any of the following: Lose weight (eat healthy, exercise regularly), avoid alcohol and sleeping pills, change sleep positions to promote regular breathing, avoid sleeping on your back, and stop smoking.