1. An apparatus for the treatment of sleep apnea in a patient, said apparatus comprising: a. a device for measuring pulse rate and blood oxygen content in said patient; b. a probe connected to the device for sensing and conveying data indicative of said pulse rate and said blood oxygen content to said device; c. a means for detecting an increase in said pulse rate and a decrease in said blood oxygen content as measured by the device; and d. alarm means that is activated upon an increase in said pulse rate and a decrease in said blood oxygen content.