Sleep apnea is caused by a body temperature that is too low. This causes you to wake up. There are two causes of the low body temperature:
1) Hypothyroidism
2) Weak kidneys
Chinese medicine claims that the kidneys warm the body. Many things can cause weak kidneys. One cause is toxic metal poisoning. Another cause is working too much overtime. I suggest you get a hair analysis from a Naturopathic doctor, to see if you have toxic metal poisoning. I cured my Sleep Apnea many years ago by getting treated by an acupuncturist. She strengthened my kidneys, as well as my other organs. Western medicine really does not understand sleep apnea. All they will do, is tell you to rent the CPAK machine, that forces air into your nose while you sleep. This technique does not fix the underlying cause of sleep apnea, it only treats symptoms. Another thing that might help your sleep apnea is
Michael's Thyroid formula. This is a collection of herbs that are rich in iodine. Did you know that it takes 4 atoms of iodine to make thyroxin? Yes, it does. And lasty, take your body temperature. It should be 98.6!
You don't have to be overweight or be male to have significant sleep apnea. Young, thin women can have severe sleep apnea. Ultimately, it's an anatomic issue, and weight gain comes in much later. She should undergo a sleep study.