Apnoea

Because it inflames upper-airway tissues, smoking often leads to obstructive sleep apnoea. Alcohol and sedatives can worsen apnoea as well; acting as muscle relaxants, they make the airway smaller.

People who suffer from apnoea may get some relief by sleeping on one side instead of on the back or by elevating the upper body during sleep.

Apnoea is a medical term which comes from Greek; it literally means "without breath".