It can be an annoyance for some, especially those sharing the sheets, and funny to others, but the nighttime nuisance of snoring can be much more than a running joke of the house – it can be an indication of serious medical conditions.

Affecting close to 90 million American adults, snoring is more common in men and those who are overweight, though women and those of healthier weight may also be prone to the breathing disturbance. It also typically gets worse with age.

More than just a deep roar during sleep, snoring is the sound resulting from blocked breathing and the tissues at the top of the airway striking each other and vibrating, according to the National Institute of Health. The seriousness of this condition is that snoring is the indicator of someone struggling to breathe, and the more severe the snore, the more effort is needed for that person to get air. Health effects caused can range from daytime dysfunction to heart disease and a condition called sleep apnea.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, snoring is caused when the muscles of the throat relax and the tongue falls backward, the walls of the throat narrow and begin to vibrate during breathing. Because relaxation of the throat muscles increases during the aging process, getting older is a main factor in the prevalence of snoring. Other factors include sleep position, abnormalities of the nose and throat and functional abnormalities such as inflammation of the nose and throat due to a respiratory infection or allergies.

The complications and health effects associated with snoring range from discomfort to conditions that require serious medical intervention. The most notable is sleep apnea, which is defined by the National Sleep Foundation as an obstructive sleep disorder that causes breathing to be briefly and frequently interrupted during sleep when the muscles in the throat don’t keep the airway open.

The term “apnea” is what’s used to describe a pause in breathing that lasts ups to ten seconds. Because sleep apnea causes fragmented sleeping – those who suffer often wake up to grasp for air – and low blood oxygen levels, health effects could result in hypertension, heart disease and memory problems. It can be life-threatening and it is suggested to see a doctor immediately if you believe you may suffer from it. Symptoms include chronic snoring and symptoms associated with sleep deprivation such as irritability, learning and memory problems, depression, sexual dysfunction and frequently falling asleep at work or while driving.

When consulting a doctor about snoring or the possibility of sleep apnea, it would be helpful to have a recorded log of sleep disturbances and times in which you have fallen asleep throughout the day. If possible, it would be important to have your partner note any times they have seen you grasp for air, choke or stop breathing during the night. A detailed list of medications being taken and an idea of fatigue levels would also be useful for the appointment. Depending on the circumstances, you may be referred to a sleep disorder specialist.

A sleep study is often administered to determine the extent and severity of snoring and to diagnose for sleep apnea. This might include an overnight stay at a sleep clinic so that the health care professionals can monitor sleep patterns to more accurately diagnose. Because the side effects of sleep apnea can be so significant, the treatment and precautions used to curb the disorder take no chances. In most cases, a CPAP device is used. The continuous positive air pressure device is a mask worn at night that blows air into the nose or mouth to keep the airway open during sleep. The National Sleep Foundation states that this treatment is highly effective and is the treatment of choice for most patients.

Other methods of snoring prevention can include dental appliances that fit to reposition the jaw and even upper airway surgery that removes tissue that blocks the airway. These options are dependent upon the severity of the situation and the recommendation of your healthcare provider. To take a preventative approach, those who snore have a variety of lifestyle changes they can make to reduce the severity of their snoring. Because snoring can be related to being overweight, shedding some pounds would prove beneficial. Reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking are also big influencing factors, as well as avoiding any sedatives or sleep aids. Though some of those options may seem like a bit of a challenge, changing your sleeping position may prove more difficult but will pay off in the long run for those with mild sleep apnea or snoring. Laying on your side instead of your back can help with intaking air.

If diagnosed with sleep apnea or using any devices to help with snoring, the most important issue is using the equipment correctly to have uninterrupted sleep in order to have a healthier life. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about using a CPAP device or to be examined for a sleep disorder, and for a full list of lifestyle changing tips visit www.sleepfoundation.org.