The disclosure provides, among other things, the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds may be exendins, exendin analogs, GLP-1 (7-37), GLP-1 (7-37) analogs (e.g., GLP-1 (7-36)-NH2) and the like. The GLP-1 receptor agonist compound may be exenatide.