Nearly everyone snores occasionally, but for some people, snoring is chronic. While occasional or low-sounding snoring is harmless, frequent or loud snoring can increase your risk for health problems. Snoring can also sometimes indicate a severe health problem.

Understanding the Context

Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. Nearly everyone snores now and then, but for some people it can be a chronic problem. Snoring is common (and normal) for many people. In fact, nearly everyone snores at some point, including babies and young children.

Key Insights

But loud, jarring snoring may indicate sleep apnea — a condition that causes you to pause breathing during sleep. While almost everyone snores on occasion, persistent snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a common breathing condition that affects around 30 million people in the United States. Everyone snores at one time or another, but do you know the warning signs of more serious, potentially life-threatening sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea? Sleep experts explain here. Does mouth taping help with snoring?

Final Thoughts

Learn what the research says, potential risks, and safer, proven treatments that can help reduce snoring. I talked to doctors about what snoring is, who's prone to it and what you can do to reduce how much you snore. Experts also shared different types of over-the-counter anti-snoring devices to consider, ... Up to half of adults snore regularly, but only about 12% have obstructive sleep apnea. The big difference between the two is that if you have apnea, you stop breathing over and over through the...