Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in people with sleep apnea. Even diet can have both short- and long-term effects on the disorder, says Chris Idzikowski, a sleep expert and author of the new book "Learn to Sleep Well" (Chronicle Books, 2000).

In the short term, eating foods that don't interfere with sleep is important. For example, it's best to avoid caffeinated beverages late in the day. In addition, alcoholic drinks may help some people fall asleep, but they typically worsen the quality of sleep by interrupting deep sleep cycles.

Over a longer period of time, changes in diet can make a big impact on sleep apnea by facilitating weight loss. Apnea is more common among people who are overweight. A 10 percent weight loss has been shown to decrease the number of apnea bouts for many people. Losing weight and eating healthfully usually help people with apnea in more than one way. Besides helping reduce apnea events, these actions can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. These serious cardiovascular ailments are typically more prevalent in people with apnea.