Snoring is common in adults and usually is not an indication of an underlying disorder.

Sometimes, however, snoring can be a sign of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. This means you have periods when you are not breathing for more than 10 seconds while you sleep. These periods of "apnea" are indicated by a long period of silence just after you have been snoring. They are followed by a sudden snort or gasp when breathing resumes. Then, snoring starts all over again. If you have sleep apnea, this cycle generally happens several times a night.

The major risk from this condition is stroke due to episodes when your brain is not getting enough oxygen. If sleep apnea is suspected, your doctor (or a sleep specialist) can test you for it by doing a sleep study either at home or in a hospital setting.

In most people, the reason for snoring is not known. The following are potential causes other than sleep apnea:

• Sleeping pills, antihistamines, or alcohol at bedtime
• Nasal congestion from colds or allergies, especially if it lasts a long time
• Enlarged adenoids and tonsils that block the airway
• Being overweight, which leads to excessive neck tissue that puts pressure on the airway
• Last month of pregnancy

The following can reduce snoring:

• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Cut down or eliminate alcohol and other sedatives at bedtime.
• Avoid sleeping flat on your back. Sleep on your side if possible. Some doctors even suggest sewing a golf or tennis ball into the back of your night clothes. Then, if you roll over onto your back, you are reminded to stay on your side because of the discomfort. Eventually, sleeping on your side is a habit and you don't need to be reminded.