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Snoring is often considered a comical problem but a serious snoring problem can be a sign of a more serious condition. A snoring problem can worsen and become a case of sleep apnea which is a serious condition that has a number of bad effects on one's health.

Anyone who snores regularly should check with their doctor to find out if it is a symptom of sleep apnea. Apnea is treatable, but if it's left unchecked it can cause serious health problems.

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, there are several questions you should ask. Do you snore regularly? If so, you are more likely dealing with sleep apnea than if you only snore occasionally.

Does your snoring wake your partner at night? If so, it's a sign that the snoring is quite loud which again can be a symptom of sleep apnea.

Do you wake up choking and gasping for air in the middle of the night? This is one of the main indicators of sleep apnea, because apnea is caused by a blockage of airflow to the extent that you stop breathing for a period of 10 seconds or longer. You may not realize this is happening yourself, either - it is often noticed first by your partner.

Do you wake up in the morning with a headache or sore throat? This is another symptom of sleep apnea - headaches can be caused by a lack of oxygen due to the stoppages in breathing in the night and a sore throat is often caused by serious snoring.

If these symptoms sound familiar, you should check with your doctor to get their professional advice. If they determine that sleep apnea is in fact a possibility, they will usually send you for a polysomnography test.

This is an overnight sleep study where your sleep patterns are monitored so a complete diagnosis can be made. Things such as your heart rate, eye movements and breathing patterns will be monitored for irregularities.

Sleep apnea can lead to more serious problems such as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, so it's important that it is diagnosed as early as possible.