Many people are surprised to learn that the upper neck, especially the atlas vertebra, can influence how easily they breathe at night. While sleep apnea is typically associated with airway obstruction or snoring, the alignment of the atlas may play a meaningful role in nighttime breathing comfort. Sleep apnea affects millions of people and is known for disrupting breathing during sleep. Most individuals think immediately of airway narrowing, snoring, or pauses in breath. Howe
