Obstructive sleep apnea—characterized by repeated episodes of irregular breathing during sleep caused by complete or partial blockage of the upper airway—affects millions. The most common treatment uses a CPAP machine to maintain an open airway during sleep. However, researchers at the University of California San Diego have found a medication to decrease the number of breathing interruptions during sleep. Authors of the study in the New England Journal of Medine say this may offer a new era of treatment for obese sleep apnea patients. The injectable medication, tirzepatide, is available only by prescription for controlling type 2 diabetes or obesity. Thus, your own healthcare provider may have an opinion on appropriate use for sleep apnea.