If you have sleep apnea, you need to see a sleep specialist and do a sleep study. Sleep apnea, besides disrupting your sleep, can cause all kinds of other medical problems, including heart disease. If you only have mild to moderate sleep apnea, there is a special kind of bite-guard type appliance that keeps your airway open. I saw a brochure at my dentist's office, so they are probably pretty common.
For more severe types, you may need a CPAP device (stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)--no I'm not advertising, a lot of companies make these things. Basically, they blow air continuously into your airway and keep it from collapsing. Yes, they do take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you probably won't be able to sleep without it. They are very effective.
Anyway, go see a sleep specialist. Don't let this go too long.
